FAQs
Has a decision to close the school already been taken?
No. We are consulting on a proposal to close the school. After the consultation has ended, the council’s Executive Committee will decide whether to close the school or not.
Will any changes happen this school year?
No. The proposal is to close the school on 31 August 2025.
If the school closes are there vacant spaces in alternative nearby schools?
The number of places in schools judged “good” or “outstanding” with vacancies at the start of the calendar year is summarised in the table:
Distance from SJSP (straight line) |
| No. vacancies | |||||
No. schools with vacancies | Rec | Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 | |
Within 1 kilometre (km) | 8 | 38 | 37 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 30 |
Between 1 km and 1 mile | 7 | 17 | 33 | 41 | 43 | 24 | 25 |
Total – under 1 mile | 15 | 55 | 70 | 72 | 70 | 45 | 55 |
(Y6 not included as Y6 pupils will be transferring to secondary schools in September).
Note that this is a snapshot of vacancies and the number will vary over time, depending on new admissions and leavers.
If the school closes how will parents get places at other schools?
The process for applying for places at other schools will be shared with parents if there is a decision to close the school. As part of this process the council would collaborate with local schools to make the process of securing a place for September 2025 as smooth as possible. The transfer of Year 6 pupils to secondary schools will not be affected by a decision either way.
If the school closes will parents be able to get places at schools outside Islington?
Yes, under education law parents are able to apply to schools anywhere, in or outside the borough where they live.
If the school closes how will pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) be supported to transfer to a different school?
The council would ensure that children with SEND are placed in schools that can fully meet their specific needs, including appropriate accessibility and additional staffing resources. A dedicated SEND Key Worker would be assigned to oversee their transition and ensure that Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are updated ready for consultation with new schools. Continuity of therapies and services, such as speech therapy, would be maintained before, during, and after the transition, with additional staff and specialists provided as needed. The council would assess eligibility for transport in accordance with its published policy.
What alternatives to closure have been considered?
Amalgamation with another school has been considered but ruled out, as there is no suitable school in Islington that shares the school’s religious character and whose level of capacity by year-group would provide a match. Other options put forward during the initial consultation were considered by the council’s Executive Committee but none were considered suitable – see section 4 of the Executive report: Proposal on the future of St Jude and St Paul CofE Primary School (pdf).
Could the Mildmay Trust not save the school?
The Trust has provided regular and significant financial support to the school for a number of years, averaging around £90,000 per annum over the last five full financial years. The London Diocesan Board of Schools is the sole trustee of the Trust and the council is not involved in its management.
How can I have my say?
Any person may object or make comments on the proposal by:
Online: Share your views
Email: schoolconsult@islington.gov.uk
Post: Future of St Jude and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Director of Learning and Achievement, 222 Upper Street, London N1 1XR
The closing date for responses is 5pm on Thursday, 27 March 2025.
