Four schools in Camden could close in autumn 2027

Camden Council is considering whether to close four more schools in the borough due to falling pupil numbers.

A report published this month for a panel of senior councillors outlines options including closure of three primary schools and a secondary school. Two of the schools are in the south of the borough.

The four schools are: St Alban’s Church of England Primary School in Holborn; St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Kentish Town; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Covent Garden; and La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School in Highgate.

Euphemistically titled “Strong and Sustainable Schools Consultation”, the report and its recommendations will be put before Camden’s cabinet on Tuesday 20 October.

“Camden, in line with many London boroughs, is experiencing a sustained decline in demand for school places, driven by falling birth rates and wider demographic and economic factors, including housing affordability and migration patterns,” states the report which proposes to hold a public consultation for each school that could be closed.

The problem of affordability has a lot to do with Labour-led Camden Council failing to achieve enough social housing from the huge amount of property development in the borough that has been waved through its planning committee, as noted by a scathing editorial in this week’s Camden New Journal.

“The council must also explain why it has taken so long to confront a problem that has been developing for years,” states the paper.

“School rolls have been falling since 2016. Yet families, pupils and teachers now face the prospect of rushed decisions, uncertainty and the possible loss of valued institutions.”

If councillors agree at the meeting this week, a public consultation on the future of each school — which includes closure, amalgamation and other options — will run for six weeks from Monday 2 November to Monday 14 December 2026.

Councillor Marcus Boyland, cabinet member for best start for children and families, said: “These consultations will be an opportunity for everyone affected to help shape the future of these schools and make sure every Camden child can learn, make friends and succeed in a thriving school environment.”

The report will also be discussed at the council’s Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee on 5 November.

Camden’s cabinet will review the outcome of the public consultation in February 2027 when it will make an interim decision on the four schools.

“If Cabinet were to decide to issue statutory notices of school closures, a four-week prescribed statutory representation period would be held after the February 2027 half-term,” states the report.

A final decision of the future of each school would then be made in April and be implemented by the start of the new school year in September 2027.

Further information: Camden school proposals.

Camden Council cabinet meeting Tuesday 20 October 2026.

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