Statutory Proposal to amalgamate Duncombe Primary School and Montem Primary School

24 April 2024

Islington Council has decided to amalgamate Montem Primary School, Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park, Islington N7 7QT, a Community School with Duncombe Primary School, Sussex Way, London N19 4JA, also a Community school with effect from 31 August 2024.

This will mean that we implement the statutory proposal to discontinue Montem Primary School. All existing pupils at Montem Primary School will be automatically transferred to Duncombe Primary School.

The reason for this amalgamation is due to a fall in pupil numbers and the associated impact this has on the future viability of both schools. Duncombe and Montem primary schools have been acutely impacted by reduced pupil demand in the area.

Duncombe and Montem Primary Schools will now merge into a single school on the existing Duncombe site. By amalgamating the two schools on a single site we are better placed to ensure a sustainable future for both school communities.

Further support

We know that this is a difficult time for you and your family and should you need any additional advice or support, please contact Bright Futures, our family support service on 020 7527 4343 or email bright.futures@islington.gov.uk.

26 March 2024

The Representation period has now ended.

Islington Council's Executive will now review all comments received and make a final decision about whether to implement the proposal to amalgamate Duncombe and Montem Primary Schools at its meeting on 18 April.

The final report and other information will be available on the Islington Council Democracy website one week before the meeting.

27 February 2024

Notice is given, in accordance with Section 15 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (as amended by the Education Act 2011) and the School Organisation (Establishment and Discontinuance of Schools) Regulations 2013, that Islington Council intends to discontinue Montem Primary School on 31 August 2024.

Contact Details

Proposal published by the London Borough of Islington, Town Hall, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD

Name, Address and Category of the School it is proposed that should be discontinued

Montem Primary School, Hornsey Road, Finsbury Park, Islington N7 7QT, a Community School.

Implementation

We propose to close Montem Primary School on 31 August 2024 and all existing pupils will be offered a place at Duncombe Primary School, Sussex Way, London N19 4JA.

Reason for Closure

The proposal is due to a fall in pupil numbers and the associated impact on the future viability of the schools. Duncombe and Montem primary schools have been acutely impacted by reduced pupil demand in the area.

The school organisation proposal is to amalgamate (merge) Duncombe and Montem Primary Schools into a single school on the existing Duncombe site – bringing together the identities and strengths of both schools under one roof.

The amalgamation would mean these schools merging to operate from a single site, enabling them to make the best use of the staff expertise, while securing the merged school’s financial future.

Pupil numbers and admissions

There are currently 270 pupils on roll at Montem Primary school as of October 2023 (not including Nursery): 28 pupils in reception, 45 pupils in Year 1, 41 pupils in Year 2, 46 pupils in Year 3, 30 pupils in Year 4, 36 pupils in Year 5 and 44 pupils in Year 6.

There are 20 pupils with Education, Health, and Care Plans plus a number of children in the Additionally Resourced Provision at Montem.

The school’s age range is 3-11 years, and provision is available to boys and girls. There is no boarding provision.

Total pupil numbers are significantly lower than the capacity of the school which is designed to accommodate up to 440 pupils.

Displaced pupils

Under the proposals, the amalgamated school would be a two-form entry school. All existing pupils would be offered a place. There is also a surplus of places at other local schools for families who would prefer alternatives.

Impact on the Community

We propose to amalgamate Duncombe and Montem Primary Schools into a single school on the existing Duncombe site – bringing together the identities and strengths of both schools under one roof.

The amalgamation would mean these schools merging to operate from a single site, enabling them to make the best use of the staff expertise, while securing the merged school’s financial future. All displaced pupils would have continued access to Ofsted rated ‘Good’ local provision.

Balance of denominational provision

Not applicable

Maintained nursery school

Not applicable

Sixth form provision

Not applicable

Special educational needs provision

Duncombe and Montem Primary Schools have a higher proportion of pupils with SEND Support and with Education Health and Care Plans than the borough average.

For pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan, their SEND Keyworker will contact the family directly to see if there are any special transition arrangements needed to help the move to the amalgamated school go smoothly.

The existing provision at Montem Primary School also includes an additionally resourced provision (ARP) for children with special educational needs (SEN).

Both Montem and Duncombe Primary Schools are judged by Ofsted to be ‘good’ schools. Both schools have high levels of SEN (16.5% at Duncombe and 17% at Montem) and free school meals (55.4% at Duncombe and 61.3% at Montem) and have demonstrated that they support these children to do well.

The ARP has a number of children who are all drawn from the mainstream provision with Montem, and so, our intention is to re-locate the ARP to Duncombe Primary School alongside the rest of the mainstream children. We will consult with parents, carers, and staff before making a final decision.

Travel

The two schools are located close together – 0.5 miles apart. Most pupils live closer to Duncombe Primary School and the proposal is not expected to change travel plans.

Related proposals

None.

Procedure for making representations (objections and comments) 

Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object or make comments on the proposal by:

Email: schoolconsult@islington.gov.uk

Post: Duncombe and Montem Proposal, Compton Room, Laycock Centre, Laycock Street, London N1 1TH

The closing date for responses is 9am on Tuesday, 26 March 2024.

Alternative formats

Download a copy of this proposal in English, Arabic (العربية ), Bengali (বাংলা), Somali (সোমালি) or Turkish (Türkçe) from 'Documents'.

If you need this proposal in another format or another language, please email schoolconsult@islington.gov.uk

Support

If you need any additional advice or support, please contact Bright Futures, our family support service on 020 7527 4343 or email bright.futures@islington.gov.uk.

Background

We ran an informal consultation on this proposal from 15 November to 20 December 2023 and a copy of this consultation and a report on the responses received is available in 'Documents'.