Aicha Less

GOVERNORS at three schools say they want to proceed with a merger despite overwhelming opposition from parents.

Barrow Hill Junior School, Robinsfield Infant School and George Eliot Primary School announced plans last year to become St John’s Wood Primary School. If approved, a new school would initially be based in George Eliot and Barrow Hill before the lower school would move from George Eliot to new facilities on the Robinsfield site.

The move was pitched to parents as “getting ahead” of a predicted drop-off in pupil numbers in St John’s Wood in the future. State school pupils are in decline in central London due to shortage of affordable decent sized homes for families.

At Barrow 76 of 78 parents responded to say they disagreed with the plan.

Jeff Masters and Gabbie Joseph, co chairs of governors of Barrow Hill Junior, said: “You will see in these documents there is little question that parents and carers who responded to the consultation are opposed to the proposal in its current form. However, having explored alternatives, we believe the proposal still offers the best available route to a sustainable future for our school. We understand this decision may not be welcomed by all.”

The pupil rolls at each school were given at 82 per cent of capacity at Barrow Hill, 85 per cent at George Eliot, and 75 per cent at Robinsfield.

The responses, which have been published online, include one Barrow Hill parent who said: “Combining the schools raises serious concerns about pupil head-count exceeding the capacity of the proposed building. Overcrowding would negatively affect the learning environment and the quality of education for all students. The proposed merger will inevitably lead to redundancies among staff members who have dedicated their careers to supporting our children and fostering strong relationships with families.”

They also raised concern about the half-mile between George Eliot and Robinsfield Infant site.

Another said: “There is nothing wrong with these schools. Why cause the disruption to these children?”

The consultation report said 190 written responses were received across the three schools with an 85 per cent objection rate. George Eliot had 38 responses, 64 per cent of which were opposed to the merger, and Robinsfield 42, with 72 per cent against and 19 per cent in favour. The report stated: “Many responses questioned the rationale for the proposal, given the number of new homes being built in the area and the impact of VAT on private education both having the potential to raise demand.

“Some questioned the need for a rebuild of Robinsfield, and others whether the council had ulterior motives in removing children from the site.”

Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for children Aicha Less will now decide whether to progress with a box-ticking formal consultation. The city council will run its consultation for four weeks from April 22.