A primary school in Newham, East London, will close its doors on August 31, 2026, due to a significant decline in student enrollment and a budget deficit of £1.1 million. Council leaders reached this decision during a cabinet meeting on October 16, 2023, marking a difficult turn for the local education landscape.
Newham Council attributes the closure of Calverton Primary School in Custom House to falling pupil numbers, which have led to financial pressures that the council cannot sustain. Sarah Ruiz, the cabinet member for education, expressed her deep regret over the decision, emphasizing her personal connection to the school, as her daughter once attended. “I’m really sorry that it has come to this,” Ruiz stated, underscoring the emotional toll of the closure.
The financial challenges facing Calverton are part of a broader issue within the borough, where several schools are reorganizing classes and reducing staff to manage diminishing student populations. However, Calverton has experienced a more rapid decline in enrollment compared to its peers, placing it in a precarious financial position.
During community consultations earlier this year, over 150 parents and staff members voiced their opposition to the proposed closure. Many described the impact as “deeply unfair” and “devastating for families.” One parent highlighted the convenience of the school’s location, stating, “Calverton provides not only education but also stability and support for families like mine.”
Concerns were also raised regarding students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Calverton Primary hosts a dedicated resource provision known as the Treehouse, which supports pupils facing severe learning difficulties. Advocates for these children warned that the closure would have catastrophic consequences, jeopardizing the trust and confidence built over years.
Despite the outcry from the community, Newham Council maintains that there were no viable alternatives to closure. Projections indicate that pupil numbers will continue to decline, exacerbating the existing financial shortfall. “This decision gives me absolutely no pleasure whatsoever,” Ruiz remarked, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation while reiterating the council’s commitment to exploring all possible alternatives.
In the wake of the closure, council officials assured parents that they would strive to place pupils in schools of their choice, emphasizing the importance of keeping siblings together whenever feasible. Should parental preferences not be met, pupils will be allocated spaces at the nearest suitable schools. For children with SEND, early reviews of their education, health, and care plans will be conducted to identify appropriate placements.
As the community grapples with this impending change, it remains clear that the closure of Calverton Primary School represents a significant shift in the educational landscape of Newham. The council’s decision is expected to reverberate through families and the local community, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by schools in the region.
