Issue - meetings

This report sets out proposals on the relocation of Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site as a 2 Form Entry school, subject to statutory consultation, from September 2027.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)        To note the historical context and background set out in the report.

(2)        To note that the Yusuf Islam Foundation (YIF) had issued eviction notices to its Voluntary Aided Islamia Primary School and that the future options for the school were for the school to either relocate or close.

(3)        To note the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site as a 2FE school, subject to statutory consultation.

(4)        To note that the Governing Board would be responsible for making the proposal through statutory consultation, with Cabinet the final decision-maker.

(5)        To note that if the school relocated to the Gwenneth Rickus site, the site could be transferred into the name of the YIF, who would be required to hold the site for the benefit of the Islamia Primary School. Further details in terms of ownership would be set out in a Trust Deed. This would ensure that the primary school would be protected from eviction in future.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Tuesday 27 May 25

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) introduced a report from the Corporate Director of Children, Young People & Community Development detailing proposals for the relocation of Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site as a 2 Form Entry school (subject to completion of the required statutory consultation) from September 2027.

In presenting the report, Councillor Grahl advised that the proposal outlined represented what was felt to be a necessary and carefully considered approach involving the relocation of Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site in a way that would ensure the long-term future of a valued and unique part of Brent’s education landscape.  Recognising Islamia Primary School as not only one of the most popular schools in Brent but also the only Muslim faith primary school in the borough, the schools well-established roots, proud identify and strong record of delivering good outcomes for its pupils were acknowledged with members advised that the proposal offered a future for the school moving forward as opposed to the alternative option of closure.  At the same time, the opportunity was taken to highlight that the proposal had not been made lightly with it confirmed that members had recognised, and were sensitive to, the concerns which had been raised locally in relation to the decision to phase out provision at the Gwenneth Rickus site for Leopold Primary School with staff and the local school community praised for their efforts in the delivery of that change.  As a result, members were assured that the proposals detailed within the report had been designed to make best use of the existing (and underutilised) site, whilst also seeking to safeguard educational provision for those children directly impacted across Brent.  As a borough, members were also advised of the duty to maintain Islamia as a Voluntary Aided school with the Gwenneth Rickus site now identified as the only realistic and viable option available having reviewed and consulted on alternative sites. It was also pointed out that relocation to the proposed site would provide continuity for existing families, many of whom would be reassured that the school’s sibling policy and borough-wide intake was able to remain in place.  In terms of the benefits provided by the site itself, members noted its existing capacity to host a 2 Form Entry school without the need for significant capital investment, which was also highlighted as an important consideration given the Council’s ongoing budgetary pressures.  The proposed relocation was also recognised as an important measure in being able  to safeguard the school from ongoing and future instability, with the proposed transfer of the site to the school’s Foundation Body designed to provide long-term security and protect it from future threats of eviction.  Recognising that the proposal would enable the Council to preserve a valued school community, retain diversity in the school system, and make good use of public assets whilst also ensuring families were properly consulted through the statutory process, Councillor Grahl ended by outlining  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7