Drayton Park Primary School

DRAYTON Park Primary School is just under £1million in the red, according to figures released by Islington last month.

The Tribune made a series of attempts to ask the Holloway primary school about the deficit this week but did not receive a response.

Half of Islington’s primary schools are projected to be in deficit by the end of next year, with a predicted total debt of £5.5million.

Islington say it is being caused by pupil shortages in schools, with each unused place costing £5,700 in government cash.
Islington’s School Organisation Plan sets out its stall on how to deal with the deficit.

The council planned to close Pooles Park Primary School but it was announced this week that it would be turning into an academy in 2024.

Meanwhile, Vittoria and Copenhagen Primary Schools in Angel are set to merge in the new academic year in September and will move into the Copenhagen school building, saving money on staffing and creating full classes again.

Montem, Highbury Quadrant and New North Academy primary schools will all see their numbers reduced.

Lead councillor for schools Michelline Ngongo said: “Across London, schools are seeing a stark reduction in pupil numbers, which means some places are not filled. Central Government funds schools based on the number of pupils they have. Fewer pupils means less money to run the school – including paying for staff, goods and services, maintenance and other vital expenses.”

She added: “This – combined with families leaving London, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the financial strain of the cost-of-living crisis, and inflationary pressures – is putting school budgets under considerable pressure.”