THE New North Academy in Angel will close its doors for pupils at the end of this school year, the Tribune understands.

The primary school in Popham Street was opened as an academy in September 2011, replacing the previous New North Community School. The school will be the third primary in the borough to close in the past year, following Highbury Quadrant and St Jude and St Paul’s.

Falling birth rates across the country are leading to a sharp decline in primary school attendances, which is in turn meaning schools are allocated less funding and, in worst-case scenarios, forced to close.

A spokesperson for New North Academy said: “Many schools locally and nationally have been affected by a long-term decline in pupil numbers due to population changes, as evidenced in this week’s report from the National Audit Office. Because schools are funded based on pupils on roll, this severely impacts on the long-term financial viability of many schools.

“Our priority, as always, is supporting our pupils and staff.”