Agenda item

This report informs Cabinet of the intention to informally consult on proposals to manage spare school capacity and falling pupil rolls in Primary School Planning Area 4 (PA4) based on the new School Place Planning Strategy 2024-2028 (which is subject to consideration under Agenda Item 10). This planning area comprises the wards of Stonebridge, Roundwood and Harlesden and Kensal Green.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)    To note that initial informal consultation will be undertaken with stakeholders that could lead to subsequent statutory consultation on a proposal to implement a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School. If a phased closure were to proceed, Leopold Primary School would continue to operate from its main site on Hawkshead Road. Ceasing provision on the Gwenneth Rickus site would involve a variation of the PAN for Leopold Primary School from 120 to 60 places for admissions in 2025 and no further admissions to the Leopold Gwenneth Rickus site from September 2025. There would be a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site. The timing of the full closure of the site would be determined during consultation.

(2)    To note that a reduction in the PAN of Mitchell Brook Primary School from 90 to 60 from September 2025, would be recommended for formal consultation in a report at the November Cabinet meeting on the Admission Arrangements for 2025/26.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 23 October 23

Councillor Grahl (Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools) introduced a report which informed Cabinet of the intention to informally consult on proposals to manage spare school capacity and falling pupil rolls in Primary School Planning Area 4 (PA4), comprising the wards of Stonebridge, Roundwood, and Harlesden & Kensal Green.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted (following its approval under Item 10 above) the detail provided within the School Place Planning Strategy 2024-28 in support of the proposals, recognising the fall in demand for pupil places within the primary sector across areas of the borough and the highest number of spare places identified within Primary Planning Area 4.  It was within this context that the proposals outlined within the report had been developed which involved a reduction in the Primary Admission Number (PAN) of Mitchell Brook Primary School and ceasing primary provision on the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School.  Whist noting the work being undertaken with schools to support them in managing the impact of falling demand, members also recognised the way in which the proposals had been designed to support and ensure the longer term sustainability of all schools in the area.

In commenting on the nature of the challenges identified, members felt it important to note the impact of the current cost-of-living crisis, increase in the cost of housing and changes introduced as a result of austerity to the welfare system which it as felt had all contributed to families struggling to afford to settle in the borough and across London, with the associated impact on varying demand for pupil places made more challenging (especially in relation to the primary sector) by the ongoing pressures on school funding.  In attempting to avoid school closures, members noted that the approach outlined had been designed to reduce the most acute level of surplus capacity within PA4.  In terms of the proposals outlined, Members were advised that Mitchell Brook Primary School had indicated there were supportive of the proposed reduction in the schools PAN with the Gwenneth Rickus site operated by Leopold Primary School having originally been opened as annexed “bulge” provision in 2013 and sufficient capacity having been identified on the main site and in other local schools to support future demand for primary provision in the area.  Subject to the outcome of the informal consultation process, confirmation was provided that any school buildings released as a result of the changes outlined would be retained for future educational use.

In considering the report, Cabinet welcomed the assurance regarding the ongoing support being provided to schools in managing any transition process, recognising the difficult nature of the options being recommended for consideration and decisions needing to be made given the importance of schools and education provision for communities across Brent.  Members were reminded that at this stage approval was being sought to undertaken initial informal consultation with key stakeholders, prior to any final recommendation being made on formal statutory consultation.  The important role of ward councillors in supporting the consultation process within their local communities was also highlighted along with the work that would also be required to consider any associated implications such as the potential impact on school travel plans.

In recognising the difficult nature of the options available and having noted the support being provided for schools to manage any transition, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note and endorse initial informal consultation being undertaken with stakeholders that could lead to subsequent statutory consultation on a proposal to implement a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site of Leopold Primary School. If a phased closure were to proceed, Leopold Primary School would continue to operate from its main site on Hawkshead Road. Ceasing provision on the Gwenneth Rickus site would involve a variation of the PAN for Leopold Primary School from 120 to 60 places for admissions in 2025 and no further admissions to the Leopold Gwenneth Rickus site from September 2025. There would be a phased closure of the Gwenneth Rickus site. The timing of the full closure of the site would be determined during consultation.

(2)    To note that a reduction in the PAN of Mitchell Brook Primary School from 90 to 60 from September 2024 would be recommended for formal consultation in a report at the November Cabinet meeting on the Admission Arrangements for 2025/26.