• Falling pupil numbers result in extreme financial pressure on the school budget
• Cabinet approves the opening of pre-publication consultation into the school’s future
A meeting of Newham Council Cabinet on 6 May 2025 heard that parents, carers, trade unions and wider partners have been contacted advising them that the Council is to consider the future of Calverton Primary School in Custom House.
The decision to bring forward a review of the school comes in the light of falling pupil numbers, which has left the school facing a significant financial challenge.
Over the last four years, there has been a significant reduction of pupils applying for places at Calverton Primary. This school year Calverton has the capacity for 420 pupils - but has only 229 children enrolled – driving down the budget, allocated by Central Government that the school has to operate to unmanageable levels.
Cabinet members agreed to move to a pre-statutory consultation on the potential closure of the school.
Councillor Sarah Ruiz Cabinet member for Environment, Sustainable Transport, Children’s Services and Education said: “All affected groups will be able give their views. It is important to stress that no decision has been made at this stage. There is detailed legislation, statutory guidance and processes, including public consultation, to work through in relation to the opening and closing of maintained schools.
“We have worked hard with the school leaders and governors to make whatever changes we could to keep the school open, however sadly for Calverton there is not a solution which enables high quality education to continue within the available resources.
“We fully appreciate the significant impact and concern a potential closure may cause to pupils, parents, staff and the wider community, and we will be providing support at every stage.”
If, following consultation, a decision is made to close the school, this could not happen before August 2026. In the meantime, the council and school will provide full support to affected children, families and staff. This would include ensuring that all children, including those accessing SEND provision, have a suitable alternative school place and there is support for staff in finding alternative employment.
Council officers have assessed local primary provision (within a mile to a mile and a half of Calverton) and are confident there are currently sufficient schools with capacity to admit children who may require a place in the event of Calverton’s closure.
