Author Michael Rosen joins bid to stop Hackney school merger

Colvestone Primary School is one of four Hackney schools that could be merged, while parents and staff at De Beauvoir and Randal Cremer primary schools in Haggerston were warned their schools could close in September 2024.

Colvestone in Dalston could merge with the larger Princess May school, while Baden Powell Primary School in Hackney Downs could move onto the Nightingale Primary School site in Clapton in September 2024.

The falling birth rate means that between them the six schools the council is looking at had an increase of unfilled reception places from six out of 270 in 2014 - or 2%, to 101 out of 225 - or 44% of places.

More than 1,200 people, including former Colvestone parent Michael Rosen, have signed an online petition urging Hackney Council to think again.

Parents praised Colvestone as a “happy community” and said their children thrive there.

I've signed.@underthecranes https://t.co/Lk09WkaS2a

— Michael Rosen 💙💙🎓🎓 (@MichaelRosenYes) April 13, 2023

Hackney Council told families at affected schools just before they broke up for Easter - and the timing frustrated parents.

The council said timings were led by the schools and stressed the proposals are due to falling school rolls, which is as London-wide problem.

It said Brexit, the move out of London fuelled by the pandemic and rising house prices all play a role in the primary school roll crisis.

Colvestone Primary School, Hackney. Because of falling school rolls Colvestone primary could merge wih Princess May School Photo: Julia Gregory

Education bosses said as government funding for schools is based on the number of pupils, lots of empty desks will hit school income and  “almost inevitably see performance and standards fall. ”

Princess May Primary School, Hackney. Because of falling school rolls Colvestone primary could merge and move to this school. Photo: Julia Gregory

This means the six schools are facing a £4m income loss this year, compared with the money they would get if classrooms were full.

Colvestone could be at risk partly because of one of the reasons many parents picked it for their children – as it is a small single form school.

They also pointed out that any move would be “disruptive” for pupils with special needs and urged education bosses to reconsider the needs of children.

Parents are due to meet education bosses at a public meeting on Monday (April 24) to discuss the proposals.

Seven per cent of pupils have an education, health and care plan, above the national average of 4% and another 12 % of Colvestone pupils need additional support.

Dorothea Kanellopoulou, the representative of parents of children with SEND said: “Children have routine. autistic children thrive on routine.

“To get an autistic child to go to school takes time.”

She explained that parents had picked Colvestone because it is a small school.

“One of the hardest things in autism is environmental overwhelm.”

Corine and Brandon Bishop said they feared the impact of a merger with another school for their daughter, who has special needs.

Parents Corine and Brandon Bishop at Colvestone Primary School, Hackney. Their child has special needs Because of falling school rolls Colvestone primary could merge wih Princess May School. Photo: Julia Gregory

They said: “It’s going to be disruptive, she won’t go to school.”

They added: “The SEND support we have got now is great, we work collaboratively with the school.”

Parents said Colvestone is also unique as “the only non-denominational school in Dalston, and with the proposed closure of nearby De Beauvoir school, current and future parents in this area have few nearby options that are not either religious schools, academies or free schools.”

Florence said: “It’s a happy school, with so many memories.”

Mike Cooter said: “Most parents have chosen the school for its smallness. A lot of us feel at primary it’s more nurturing.

Everybody is happy, the people are lovely.”

He pointed out that access to good schools is also highlighted by estate agents.

Chris said money has recently been spent on a new reception classroom.

“It’s unique as a single entry school, we do not all want mega schools.”

He added: “It’s not a commodity, it’s an opportunity to have a small village school in the city.”

He  felt  if it goes ahead it was not a merger but a closure for Colvestone and urged the council to invest in children. He said development in the area would see more families who will need school places.

Chris also feared closures could “drive families out of London.”

The council is talking to parents at all the schools before the proposals go to the cabinet.

Visit https://www.change.org/p/savecolvestone-fsa-colvestone to sign the petition.