THE proposals to merge two primary schools to make them “financially viable” after one had just 12 children in its reception class this year were given the green light yesterday (Thursday).

Council chiefs confirmed plans to bring Vittoria and Copenhagen primary schools together under one roof – Copenhagen.

A council report said consultation feedback had been broadly positive about the merger, adding: “Both schools have high levels of surplus capacity (empty seats in class) with 17 pupils in Reception class in Copenhagen this year and 12 pupils in Reception at Vittoria. The proposal is to amalgamate Vittoria and Copenhagen primary schools to a single school on the Copenhagen site so that the new school is financially viable. This will support a quality educational offer by making use of the staff expertise across both school sites.”

Parents from both schools were told in public meetings last year they would get a say on what the name and uniform of the new school would be. Respondents to the consultation said they wanted to see the Vittoria building retained for community use and reassurances no staff would be made redundant.

Funding to schools is tied in with its pupil numbers, leading to a loss in cash as rolls fall. Last year the Tribune reported that Islington expected 31 out of its 46 schools to be in deficit and in debt to the tune of £2million by April.

In October last year, one in five reception places across the borough were unfilled, caused by a falling birth rate in Islington – and London – as well as families seeking affordable accommodation outside of the borough.

As part of the schools shake-up, three other schools in the borough are due to have their numbers cut to reflect the falling number of pupils.