Cabinet agrees to consult on the proposed closure of The John Loughborough School

Publication date: Wednesday 19 September 2012

Haringey Council’s Cabinet last night, Tuesday 18 September, agreed to hold a consultation on proposals to close John Loughborough School.

The decision follows a joint formal review of the school by the council and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, which focused on the quality of education provided by the school, pupil attainment and the school’s financial viability. The review team agreed that the school does not meet the required educational standards - and has not for some time.

In December 2011, an Ofsted inspection concluded that John Loughborough School be placed in 'Special Measures'. That judgement was the latest in a series of inspections over the last 10 years that show that - despite extensive support to the school from the council and the very best efforts of the SEC, the head teacher, and all staff and governors - the school has consistently been unable to provide an acceptable standard of education.

In recent years the school has also experienced falling pupil numbers which, in turn, has contributed to a large deficit in the school’s budget.

Following a deputation by representatives of the school to the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Ann Waters, Cabinet Member for Children, said she understood parents' concerns and welcomed their involvement and support.

Cllr Waters said:

"We recognise and value the school’s ethos and its role in the community, but the school’s educational achievement is not good enough and, despite the support provided by the council and the church, it doesn’t show signs of sustained improvement. As the body ultimately responsible for this school’s performance, the time has come for us to take alternative action.

"We firmly believe that because of the poor outcomes for pupils attending this school and the lack of improvement, children at this school would have a better chance of educational achievement if they were to attend other schools. Out of the ten other secondary schools in Haringey three quarters of them are rated as Outstanding or Good by Ofsted. That’s far better than the national average.

"We will take into account the position and best interests of all the children if we take the decision to close the school. I ask everyone involved to let us know their views via the consultation process."

The consultation on the possible closure of the school will begin on 1 October 2012 and will last for a period of seven weeks, ending on 19 November 2012.

No final decisions on the future of the school will be taken until after the consultation period.

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