On 19 January 2023, the Governing Body of St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School published a statutory notice proposing the closure of the school. 
 
Governors took this decision to issue the notice following a community consultation, which ended on 30 November 2022. The statutory proposal arises from a steep fall in pupil numbers, which affects the future viability of the school.

Joint statement from the Diocese of Westminster and Camden Council

“Despite the steps taken by school governors and leadership of St Dominic’s to actively market the school to increase enrolment, there is still a huge challenge of falling pupil numbers locally and across London. This is adding significant financial pressure on the school and why the Governing Board has taken the decision to propose closure of the school.
 
“If the proposal is agreed, all pupils would be offered places at alternative local schools, including local Catholic schools, and the school would close formally on 31 August 2023. The school would remain open until that point, and we want to reassure parents that the school would continue to offer all pupils a high-quality education. Anyone can formally object or comment on this proposal, until midnight on 16 February, before a final decision is made in March 2023.” 

Reason for statutory proposal to close the school

At the start of the community consultation (see background information and documents below), the school had a total of 121 pupils on roll and 89 vacant places, which is one the highest proportions of surplus provision in Camden. 
 
All pupils would be guaranteed the continuation of their education within a Camden school. The Council and Diocese would work with all parents to look at the available options for school places, including local Catholic provision.

Read the full notice here

How to object or make comments

You can object to or make comments on the proposal by emailing stdominics@camden.gov.uk or by post to the following address: Head of Education Commissioning and School Organisation (Floor 8, 5PS), Freepost LBC MAILROOM, London Borough of Camden, Town Hall, London WC1H 9JE.
 
The closing date for responses to this statutory proposal is Thursday, 16 February 2023, at midnight. 
 
A decision on the future of the school is scheduled for the March 2023 Cabinet meeting. 

Background documents from community consultation (which closed on 30/11/22):

• Download and read the consultation document here
• EASY-READ version of the consultation
• Read the school governors' FAQs for parents and carers (Part One) in response to questions and comments so far - 19/10/22
• Read the school governors' FAQs for parents and carers (Part Two) in response to questions and comments so far - 01/11/22

The Governing Body of St Michael’s C of E Primary School intends to discontinue provision at the school from 30 April 2023.
 
Following community consultation, the Governing Body have decided to issue a statutory notice. The proposal arises due to a fall in pupil numbers and the impact of this on the future viability of the school. 

The school, in 88 Camden Street NW1 0JA, hasn't taken on any new pupils from September 2022. All pupils previously on the school’s roll have been offered a school place at Our Lady’s Primary School or have transferred to other schools in the Borough.

It is proposed that St Michael’s C of E Primary School would formally close on 30 April 2023. This notice is an extract from the full proposal, which can be viewed here.

Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, anyone may object to or make comments on the proposal by:

• Email: nicholas.smith@camden.gov.uk
• Post: Head of Education Commissioning and School Organisation, 5PS (Floor 8), Freepost LBC MAILROOM, London Borough of Camden, Town Hall, London WC1H 9JE.

The closing date for responses is Thursday, 9 March 2023 at midnight.