London schools are facing a demographic crisis, with over 90 closures since 2019. The decline in birth rates and the rise in housing prices are key factors in this trend.
More than 90 schools in London have closed since 2019, according to the London Councils association. This phenomenon is due to the decline in birth rates and the exodus of families, driven by Brexit and the pandemic.
In the Hackney district, enrolment in primary schools has fallen by 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and an additional 14% decrease is expected between 2024 and 2030. Islington, a neighbouring district, anticipates the largest drop in the country, with a 22% decline.
Una O'Halloran, a representative of Islington Council, commented: “No one goes into politics intending to close a school.” The situation has led councils to seek ways to convert school buildings into temporary accommodation for the homeless.
In Hackney, eight primary schools have closed in the last two years. The councillor for children, Soraya Adejare, lamented that buildings are going from educating to housing homeless individuals. Councils currently need to seek permission from the government to change the use of these buildings.
The Labour Party has proposed measures to limit the autonomy of schools and allow councils to oppose the proliferation of academies. However, this has sparked criticism over a potential break in the consensus on school management.
The Department for Education stated that it is essential for schools and local authorities to coordinate to ensure that all children have access to a quality school place. The situation could also affect secondary school students, whose numbers are expected to start declining next year.
The fertility rate in London has fallen by nearly a third since 2012, standing at 1.39 children per woman. Despite this outlook, the English education system is ranked among the top ten in the world according to the PISA report.
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