Parents caused “panic, anguish and stress” by the closure of Lewisham Catholic primary school

Parents are protesting against the closure of a Catholic primary school in Lewisham, which is causing them “panic, anguish and stress”.

St Mary Magdalen’s School in Brockley is facing closure because of low student numbers and money problems.

But parents are complaining about the lack of communication from the council and the Archdiocese of Southwark, which is the governing body of the school.

Lauren McGivan, whose child attends the school, said: “The way in which the proposal of closure has been handled is absolutely appalling to say the least. 

“The lack of communication between The Diocese and the parents of children on roll was little to none – not to mention the wider community having little knowledge of this closure without the essence of word of mouth.”

Leanne Taylor, who attended the school as a child and whose daughter Jewelle Taylor is a year one pupil at the school, agreed that communication had been poor.

She said: “I’m not happy about it. I think generally speaking it’s out of our hands. 

“We feel like we were misinformed, because it was only after we returned after January that we were told. It was quite sudden really.”

Parents also believe that the way the proposed closure has been handled has led to many parents taking their children out of the school immediately.

On March 10 2021, the school had 142 students, which is around 60 less than the Pupil Admission Number.

The consultation document claims that this has resulted in £250,000 less funding each year for the school.

Pupil numbers also appear to be falling, with the school receiving only 12 first preferences for a place in reception for September 2021, while 22 Year 6 children will be leaving.

More children leaving the school could mean that there was a higher chance of the school closing.

Ms McGivan said: “This lack of communication has led to parents’ panic, anguish and stress, and for many to uproot their children from St Mary Magdalen’s automatically assuming the school is to close.

“No parent wanted to relocate their child to other schools, but the parent community feels that the school is going to close anyway, so why oppose and fight against it.

“We are disheartened and non-believing that anyone cares for the welfare of our children but ourselves.”

Ms Taylor said: “Some people were led to believe that the best decision was to take their child out of school, which in the long run isn’t going to help with keeping it open.

“There’s only 12 children in my daughter’s class of the original number of 30.”

In a meeting on May 5, parents expressed further concerns about the closure, including worries that the decision had already been made, what to do if their child was set to join the reception class in September and the future of faith schools in the area.

The school received “good” in their Ofsted inspection in February 2018.

Since then, the school has faced a number of problems including large numbers of staff leaving and a voided SATs exam.

A consultation on the proposed closure is open until noon on July 9.

A spokeswoman from Lewisham council said: “The Archdiocese of Southwark, the governing body at St Mary Magdalen school, with the agreement of Lewisham council has launched a statutory consultation and decision process for closing the school. 

“The decision has been taken to commence this process because in recent years there has been a decline in applications for school places at St Mary Magdalen, resulting in a falling number of pupils. When this happens, it has severe financial implications for a school and the budget for staff and other resources are affected. 

“Parents, staff and the local community will be part of the consultation process, and preparations are being made ahead of any decision to offer support, guidance and a clear way forward for families and staff. 

“We recognise that this may cause some uncertainty and anxiety, but want to reassure parents and carers at this time that Lewisham Council in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Southwark will ensure that no child is left without the offer of a suitable school place if closure goes ahead – there will be a bespoke admissions round to ensure a clear, transparent and coordinated process to place children in local schools that have vacancies for those applying for Reception in September 2021.”

To comment on, support, or object to the proposal in writing to Matt Henaughan via email matt.henaughan@lewisham.gov.uk or post: Education Services, 2nd Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.