Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School has been open since 1699, and is one of London's oldest schools.
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A 300-year-old school with historic links to Charles Dickens is set to close next year.
The number of students enrolled at Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School has consistently dropped since an Ofsted report in 2016 called the school, now an academy, “inadequate”,
Government funding for the academy is awarded based on the number of children enrolled. Consequently, the cost of running the academy now exceeds its income.
This year, only three pupils joined reception.
Elizabeth Wolverson, the CEO for the school’s trust, wrote to the parents explaining that the closure was a “very difficult and painful decision”.
Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School opened in 1699, and was where Victorian author Dickens used to read his work “for a penny” fee.
Ofsted’s impact
Following the 2016 Ofsted report, inspectors in 2017 returned to find that “many of the weaknesses at the last inspection still remain”. This came even as the school transitioned into an academy.
Christopher Trundle, chair of the local academy committee, said this had a negative impact on pupil numbers.
“The headteacher has, over the last three and a half years, addressed all the concerns, developed a motivated and dedicated staff team, and created a caring and inspiring environment.”
“Sadly there has been no full Ofsted inspection since 2016 to demonstrate just how much the school has improved.”
“This has had an impact on admissions, and with more recent demographic shifts there are now simply too many school places in this part of London for the number of children who live here.”
Alongside its links to Dickens, the school is thought to be the oldest purpose-built educational structure in London.
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Headline300-year-old school set to close after pupil numbers dwindle
Short Headline300-year-old school to close next year
StandfirstThe steady decline in pupil numbers has left the 300-year old Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School running at a loss.
A 300-year-old school with historic links to Charles Dickens is set to close next year.
The number of students enrolled at Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School has consistently dropped since an Ofsted report in 2016 called the school, now an academy, “inadequate”,
Government funding for the academy is awarded based on the number of children enrolled. Consequently, the cost of running the academy now exceeds its income.
This year, only three pupils joined reception.
Elizabeth Wolverson, the CEO for the school’s trust, wrote to the parents explaining that the closure was a “very difficult and painful decision”.
Clerkenwell Parochial Primary School opened in 1699, and was where Victorian author Dickens used to read his work “for a penny” fee.
Ofsted’s impact
Following the 2016 Ofsted report, inspectors in 2017 returned to find that “many of the weaknesses at the last inspection still remain”. This came even as the school transitioned into an academy.
Christopher Trundle, chair of the local academy committee, said this had a negative impact on pupil numbers.
“The headteacher has, over the last three and a half years, addressed all the concerns, developed a motivated and dedicated staff team, and created a caring and inspiring environment.”
“Sadly there has been no full Ofsted inspection since 2016 to demonstrate just how much the school has improved.”
“This has had an impact on admissions, and with more recent demographic shifts there are now simply too many school places in this part of London for the number of children who live here.”
Alongside its links to Dickens, the school is thought to be the oldest purpose-built educational structure in London.
