Agenda item

This report provides a summary of informal and formal consultation undertaken by the Governing Board of Islamia Primary School (IPS) in relation to the school’s proposed relocation to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2 Form Entry (2FE) school from September 2027 for which approval is now being sought.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted the representatives received from Jitu Patel (as Chair of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple) accompanied by Girish Patel (as a separate Trustee) and Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation).

In highlighting the position of the Board of Trustees, Jitu Patel outlined their interest in the Gwenneth Rickus site as a key component in their long-term vision for the area along with the representations made in response to the statutory consultation and alternative offer to acquire the site from Brent Council and grant a medium-term lease to Islamia School.  As an alternative, should the decision be made to proceed with the proposed transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation the Board of Trustees advised they would be seeking the opportunity, should the site no longer be required in future for educational purposes, for acquisition, subject to the necessary legal consents being obtained.  In seeking a way forward, it was confirmed that the Board of Trustees remained committed to working collaboratively with the Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation to create a model of co-operation, and to promote and protect faith-based educational provision and community use.

In terms of the position outlined by Zafar Ashraf (on behalf of the Yusuf Islam Foundation), members noted the long running and extensive work undertaken to identify options for future provision of Islamia Primary School (as the only Muslim faith voluntary aided school in the borough) with the proposal, as set out in the report, therefore supported as a viable solution that would meet the needs and approval of key stakeholders.  Whilst aware of issues raised by the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir it was felt that these could be addressed working in collaboration including an invitation for a representative of the Board to join the Schools Governing Body as a Foundation Governor and confirmation that the new premises (subject to approval) would be made available for local community use outside of school hours for which the Foundation would be willing to engage with the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir regarding any needs they may have.

Having sought technical advice and assurance from officers at the meeting regarding the issues raised as part of the representations received and recognising the exhaustive nature of the process undertaken in seeking to identify a suitable site for relocation of the school, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the outcome and analysis from the formal consultation.

(2)       To approve the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2FE school from 1^st September 2027.

(3)       To note that the Gwenneth Rickus site would be transferred into the name of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, 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 Monday 15 September 2025

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Jitu Patel (as Chair of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple) accompanied by Girish Patel (as a separate Trustee) and Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation) to the meeting who he advised had requested to speak in advance of the proposals on the relocation of Islamia Primary School being considered by Cabinet.

In highlighting the position of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple) Jitu Patel, as the first representative to speak, outlined their interest in the Gwenneth Rickus site as a key component in a long-term vision for the area highlighting their status as a leading Hindu organisation which represented all members of the UK Hindu community and which already owned a large part of the surrounding estate including The Swaminarayan School and the ‘Tennis Courts’ which adjoined the Gwenneth Rickus site.  Having highlighted the interest expressed in acquiring the Gwenneth Rickus site, should it become available, over many years Jitu Patel advised the Board of Trustees had therefore been disappointed about the notice provided in relation to the proposed transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation.  In light of that, the Board had made detailed representations in response to the statutory consultation along with the submission of an alternative offer to acquire the site from Brent Council and grant a medium-term lease to Islamia School with the Board of Trustees disappointed that despite the representations made these had not been accepted for consideration.  In recognising the strong nature of the relationship established with the leadership of both Brent Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation, the Board had therefore sought to continue proactively engaging with all parties in a way that sought to respect and acknowledge the obligations and aspirations of each organisation and agree a solution that would represent a favourable outcome for all concerned.

In outlining the Board’s original proposal, Jitu Patel advised that if Cabinet were minded to proceed with the transfer of the site to the Yusuf Islam Foundation, this should at the very least consider as an alternative the inclusion of a mechanism allowing for possible future acquisition of the site by BAPS, should it no longer be required for educational purposes, (subject to the necessary legal consents being obtained).  In seeking a way forward, it was hoped Cabinet would therefore consider deferring a final decision to enable more detailed consideration of the alternative proposal outlined, with it confirmed that the Board of Trustees remained committed to working collaboratively with the Council and the Yusuf Islam Foundation to create a model of co-operation, and to promote and protect faith-based educational provision and community use.

Having thanked Jitu Patel for the representations made on behalf of the Board of Trustees BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), Councillor Muhammed Butt then welcomed Zafar Ashraf (Executive Director - Yusuf Islam Foundation) to the meeting who he advised had also asked to speak in advance of the report being considered.

In terms of the position outlined on behalf of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, Zafar Ashraf began by reminding members of the long running and extensive work undertaken to identify options for future provision of Islamia Primary School (as the only Muslim faith voluntary aided school in the borough) with the proposal, as set out in the report, therefore supported as a viable solution that would meet the needs and approval of key stakeholders.  Whilst aware of issues raised by the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir it was felt that these could be addressed working in collaboration including an invitation for a representative of the Board to join the Schools Governing Body as a Foundation Governor and confirmation that the new premises (subject to approval) would be made available for local community use outside of school hours.  Confirmation was also provided that the Foundation would be willing to engage with the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir regarding any needs they may have in this respect, and on this basis the Foundation hoped that Cabinet would be willing to accept the proposal to relocate the school as recommended.

In thanking Zafar Ashraf and Jitu Patel for their comments, Councillor Muhammed Butt assured both that the issues raised would be taken into account during consideration of the report.  Councillor Grahl was then invited to formally introduced the report from the Corporate Director Children, Young People and Community Development, which provided a summary of the informal and formal consultation undertaken by the Governing Body of Islamia Primary School (IPS) in relation to the schools proposed relocation to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2 Form Entry (2FE) school from September 2027.

In presenting the report, Councillor Grahl began by acknowledging Islamia Primary School’s status as Brent’s only Muslim state funded primary school along with the long running efforts made to secure a new home for the school, recognising the uncertainty faced since receipt of the eviction notice from its current site on Salusbury Road.  Members were reminded that that school currently served over 400 pupils and remained oversubscribed with a long history of serving the community across Brent and the wider region and without action being taken would face closure. As a result, it was pointed out the proposals presented for consideration had been designed to address the uncertainty and ensure Islamia Primary School could continue to thrive at a new home on the Gwenneth Rickus site from September 2027 with, it was felt, a clear case having been outlined in support of relocation.

Members were advised this had involved parents, staff and residents having identified the current split site arrangement as being overcrowded and unsuitable with limited outdoor space and facilities that were recognised as falling short of modern standards.  In contrast, it was pointed out the proposed move to the Gwenneth Rickus site would offer access to purpose built classrooms, more space for play and sport as well as improved provision for children with special educational needs in order to provide the schools pupils with a safe, high-quality environment.

In highlighting that the Gwenneth Rickus site had become available in 2027 due to falling pupil numbers in the area and recognising the significant catchment area of Islamia Primary School, the approach identified in terms of the relocation proposals was also felt to demonstrate the Council’s focus in seeking to use its assets as wisely as possible and to make best use of available space and facilities, whilst also protecting educational choice for families in Brent, strengthening the diversity of the school system and supporting the borough wide priority of giving every child the best start in life.

Reference was also made to the thorough nature and outcome of the informal and formal consultation process relating to the proposed relocation, which had resulted in support being expressed from families and the wider community highlighting the move as long overdue and with parents also supportive of the way in which the new site would bring children together under one roof, improve learning conditions and safeguard the unique educational offer of the school.  At the same time, however, it was also recognised that concerns had been raised, on which the Council would continue to listen, with a commitment provided to continue working with local schools, residents and community groups to manage the impact of the relocation, from travel and traffic issues to community cohesion in an effort to continue building stronger communities through dialogue and partnership.

Councillor Grahl also felt it important to acknowledge the representations made in advance of the report being considered on behalf of the Board of Trustees representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple, with the opportunity highlighted for these to be considered as part of the wider regeneration proposals being developed across the Neasden area, whilst also recognising the nature of the Gwenneth Rickus site as a valuable educational asset which the proposals had been designed to secure the continued use of.  As such the proposals outlined in the report were felt to demonstrate the Council taking responsibility and acting decisively to protect and secure the future of a popular school ensuring that both current and future pupils were able to continue benefiting from the education it was able to provide, with the Council also committed to working with the wider community (including BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir- Neasden Temple) in order to ensure a successful relocation of the school in a way that would also strengthen community cohesion.

Following on, Nigel Chapman (Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Community Development) also took the opportunity to welcome the collaborative approach outlined by the Yusuf Islam Foundation in seeking to work with the Board of Trustees at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Neasden Temple including the offer of a position on the School Governing Body and wider use of the premises for local community use outside of school hours.  Concerns which had been raised by local schools in the area surrounding the site regarding the potential destabilising impact on pupil numbers were also acknowledged, although it was felt these were not likely to materialise given the much wider catchment area covered by Islamia Primary School.  An assurance was, however, provided that demand for school places in the Primary Planning area would continue to be monitored and addressed as part of the School Place Planning Strategy.

Technical advice and assurance was also sought from officers at the meeting regarding the issues raised as part of the representations received in relation to future use of the site, should it no longer be required for educational purposes and alignment with Brents Borough Plan, Local & London Plan policies as part of any wider regeneration and development of land surrounding the Neasden Temple complex.  In clarifying the legal position regarding the proposed relocation of the school and transfer of the site, it was noted that this had complied with the necessary statutory provisions with it not possible to provide any commitment about future use of the site, should it no longer be required for education purposes, on the basis that any disposal of the land would need to be considered and made in accordance with the relevant statutory processes.  Confirmation was also provided that the proposed relocation of the school had been subject to all necessary statutory processes enabling a final decision to be taken by Cabinet and reflecting the statutory duty on the Council to ensure there were sufficient school places available to meet the needs of the local population.  In terms of the wider conceptual masterplan which had been referred to by the Board of Trustees in relation to development of the area surrounding the Temple, members were advised these proposals would need to be considered as part of the standard masterplan development process involving engagement with key stakeholders (including the Temple) and assessment against the relevant planning policy framework.

In considering the report, members recognised the extensive nature of the process undertaken in seeking to identify a suitable site for relocation of the school and balance needing to be maintained in seeking to secure the future of the school whilst also maintaining a strong sense of community cohesion through a process of collaboration and inclusive engagement.  In welcoming the approach outlined as a means of removing the uncertainty and securing the ongoing provision of the school and in recognising the schools existing site as no longer fit for purpose, members were also keen to ensure that work continued to encourage the Yusuf Islam Foundation, Temple and other local stakeholders to work collaboratively in seeking to develop a strong relationship in support of the wider community benefit including areas such as development of an active travel plan for pupils accessing the new site.

In taking the opportunity to thank all officers for their efforts in development of the proposals and once again recognising the exhaustive nature of the process undertaken in seeking to identify a suitable site for relocation of the school alongside the representations received, contents of the report, outcome of the consultation and technical advice provided during the meeting regarding the issues raised as part of the representations received, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the outcome and analysis from the formal consultation.

(2)       To approve the proposal to relocate Islamia Primary School to the Gwenneth Rickus site on Brentfield Road as a 2FE school from 1^st September 2027.

(3)       To note that the Gwenneth Rickus site would be transferred into the name of the Yusuf Islam Foundation, 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.