Four north London faith schools threatened with closure + petition

La Sainte Union

Four faith schools in north London could be facing closure next year, because of falling pupil numbers. Camden Council has announced it is looking at shutting St Alban's Church of England Primary School in Holborn, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Covent Garden, St Patrick's Catholic Primary School in Kentish Town, and La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School in Highgate.

A new report: 'Strong and Sustainable Schools Consultation', was put before Camden Council's cabinet on Tuesday, 20 October. The cabinet officially voted to launch a six-week public consultation on the potential closure, merger, or downsizing of the four schools.

In 2023, three faith schools in Camden were closed: St Dominic's, the 154 year-old Roman Catholic school in Southampton Road; St Aloysius RC Primary in Somers Town and St Michael's CoE Primary School in Camden Town. One secular primary school, Carlton, was also closed.

The sustained decline among schools in London has been attributed to falling birth rates, housing affordability, and migration patterns.

"Every empty school place means that primary schools lose an average of £7,500 of vital government funding per year, and secondary schools lose an average of £9,700 per year," said the report.

Some parents and teachers have criticised Camden Council, arguing that it should have acted sooner, as school rolls have been declining since 2016. They link the situation to the council's long-term failure to secure enough affordable social housing in the major private developments it has approved. In an editorial the Camden New Journal describes the process as "rushed" and warns of "uncertainty for families, pupils, and teachers if valued institutions were lost."

The Catholic Diocese of Westminster told ICN: "The diocese was aware that Camden Council had been reviewing school provision through its 'Strong and Sustainable Schools Programme', from which the proposals concerning the closure of St Patrick's and St Joseph's Catholic Primary Schools have arisen. La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School is under the trusteeship of a religious order, and the diocese learned of its proposed closure only when it was announced.

We recognise the challenge presented by surplus school places. However, all four schools now being considered for possible closure are faith schools and follows the closure of three other faith schools in Camden. Taken together, this represents a significant erosion of faith-based education in the borough and narrows the choice available to families. For this reason, the diocese does not support the proposal which Camden Council has put forward.

We encourage parents, parishioners and others affected by the proposals to take part in the consultation when it opens and make their views known."

A reassuring message on La Saint Union's website reads:

"We understand that families considering La Sainte Union for September 2027 may have questions following Camden Council's recent announcement about the future organisation of school places in the borough.

No decision has been made to close La Sainte Union. On 20 October 2026, Camden Council's Cabinet members agreed to proceed with a formal consultation on a range of options to tackle falling pupil numbers in the borough. Closure was only one of the options. Consultations are expected to begin on Monday 2 November and run for six weeks and there will be a range of consultation activities, including online information, surveys and engagement events.

La Sainte Union remains open and continues to welcome applications for Year 7 entry in September 2027.

We are proud to offer a supportive, ambitious Catholic education for girls, with dedicated teaching, strong pastoral care and a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their confidence, talents and aspirations."

A PETITION to save La Sainte Union Catholic School has already gathered 2,900 signatures since it was launched last week.

See: www.change.org/p/save-la-sainte-union-catholic-school

LINKS

La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School: www.lasainteunion.org.uk/

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School:: www.stpatricks.camden.sch.uk/

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School: www.stjosephs.camden.sch.uk/