Six primary schools in Hackney may close or merge under new plans as pupil numbers drop across the borough.

In the last school year there were 634 vacant reception places in Hackney - more than 20% of the total places.

A total of 589 fewer pupils started reception in the area this school year than in 2014.

The schools that may close are De Beauvoir Primary School in Tottenham Road and Randal Cremer Primary School in Ormsby Street.

Colvestone Primary School in Colvestone Crescent may with and move to Princess May Primary School in Princess May Road.

Baden Powell Primary Schools in Ferron Road may merge onto the site of Nightingale Primary School in Tiger Way.

The changes are subject to consultation, set to conclude by the end of this year, and would come into effect in September 2024.

Hackney Council said the decrease in pupil numbers had caused some schools to face “serious and irreversible” financial pressures.

The authority said that falling birth rates, families relocating outside London and competition from free schools had all reduced pupil numbers in Hackney.

It added that the six schools combined are estimated to have a total income this school year which is more than £4 million less than if they had full classrooms.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said: “We passionately believe in our Hackney family of schools and know they have very close ties to their local area and communities, that’s why proposing closing and merging schools is one of the most difficult and distressing decisions we can make, and not one we would ever choose unless we had no other choice.

“But we must ensure the quality of education for our children, and stability for our staff, remain a priority. 

“We know this will be a concerning time for school leaders, parents and carers, and pupils themselves.

“School communities will be involved in discussions and plans from the very start and we are committed to listening to what they say.”

Hackney Council said that there were currently no plans to close or merge any secondary schools in the borough.