In recent years, the majority of London boroughs, including Westminster, have seen a notable decline in pupil numbers. This trend is believed to be attributable to several factors, such as falling birth rates, families relocating from London and the cost of living, particularly housing.
Schools receive funding per pupil from central government. This means that schools with a high number of unfilled places have less money for staff, resources, equipment, extracurricular activities, to pay bills and to carry out maintenance work.
Westminster Council, the Church of England and Catholic dioceses and local academy trusts have been working together for several years to look at all possible options to try and avoid the need to discontinue schools. A number of school amalgamations, also referred to as merging two or more schools, have taken place in Westminster in the last three years. Bringing schools together has enabled those schools to set a balanced budget and provide each child with access to a broad curriculum offer.
The process and timeline
Stage 1, Consultation
A minimum six-week consultation led by the school governing bodies. After considering comments and feedback, if the governing bodies agree to proceed with the amalgamation, they will make a recommendation to the Council to issue a Statutory Notice about the proposal and begin a four-week formal consultation.
Stage 2, Issue of Statutory Notice
We will consider the governors’ recommendation in full and decided whether to publish a Statutory Notice about the proposal.
Stage 3, Representation
On the same date of the publication of the Statutory Notice, the Council will lead a four-week formal consultation that will invite any parties to submit a representation about the proposal.
Stage 4, Decision
All representations received will be fully considered by the Council before a final decision is made about the amalgamation proposal.
Stage 5, Implementation
If the decision is made to approve the amalgamation, a final decision will be formally issued and published. Arrangements will be put in place to implement the amalgamation with effect from 1 September 2025.
Current proposals
Two amalgamations are now at Stage 2 and 3 of the process. Details of each proposal, and how to make representation, or comments, can be found on each page:.
- Issue of Statutory Notice for the proposed amalgamation of Barrow Hill Junior, George Eliot and Robinsfield Infant Schools
- Issue of Statutory Notice for the proposed amalgamation of Our Lady of Dolours and St Mary of the Angles Catholic Schools
Previous amalgamations
- In 2023, the decision was taken to amalgamate St Stephen’s and St Mary Magdalene's Church of England Primary Schools.
