Beacon High School headteacher Alan Streeter 

A HEADTEACHER in Holloway is predicting their student numbers will rise following its school rebrand despite the borough-wide crisis of falling pupils.

Pupil numbers are projected to fall year on year until 2023, a trend that has sparked concern over the future of Islington’s schools.

Crucially, the amount of children enrolling relates directly to the scale of government funding made available.

A falling birth rate combined with rising house prices in London have been blamed.

Beacon High School rebranded in 2019 after its previous title, Holloway School, received a damning Ofsted report.

Headteacher Alan Streeter said: “The reputation of Holloway was not a good one. Beacon High as a new school has been able to rectify that challenge with student numbers.

“Our numbers are increasing and that is to do with a more positive reputation. What was a significant problem for Beacon High is beginning to turn around.”

The school has a capacity of 600 pupils and is operating with 418.

Mr Streeter said: “Financially I think all schools are struggling this year, and part of that is Covid-19. We will continue to provide a decent education for the young people within the parameters that are set for us.”

St Aloysius College in Hornsey Lane saw a drop in their numbers by 110 last year, although there is no suggestion it will close.

But Clerkenwell Parochial Primary is due to close this year due to low pupil numbers.

One primary in neighbouring Camden has shut, and a second will close for good at the end of the summer term.

The drop-off at Clerkenwell has been blamed by some parents on an “inadequate” ­Ofsted report in 2016.

Tony Buttifint from Islington National Education Union said: “Numbers are falling across London because of several factors, one is the cost of housing in London is driving people outwards. Since the pandemic and working from home people are moving outside of London and choosing to live in the countryside instead. It would be a good opportunity to look at reduced class sizes improving the provision for students who desperately need it.”

The council did not respond to requests for comment on the issue.