Decision
Analysis
outcome: The decision was to merge St Bede's Catholic Infant and Nursery School with St Bernadette Catholic Junior School, with the closure of the latter by September 2025.
summary: The decision at stake is the amalgamation of two Catholic schools into a single all-through primary school in order to address declining birth rates and financial pressures on school leaders.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to merge two Catholic schools into a single primary school, with the closure of one school by September 2025.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious due to the closure of one school and the impact on the local community, as well as potential concerns about the quality of education and resources in the merged school.
affected_stakeholders: ["Councillor Ben Kind", "school governors", "teachers", "students", "parents", "Diocese"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9995
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: Due to declining pupil roll across Lambeth, the Archdiocese of Southwark and the Governing Body of the Federation of St Bede’s and St Bernadette Catholic Schools propose a merger of the infant school of St Bede’s with the junior school, St Bernadette to become a single primary school on a single site at St Bede’s from September 2025. This involves: • The technical closure of St Bernadette Catholic Junior School • The age range change to St Bede’s Catholic Infant School to extend the year groups, to include Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 This would mitigate financial pressure on the school budget and future impacts on the council general fund.
Content: The item was introduced by Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families. The following was noted: · Declining birth rates across the borough were highlighted as a key factor affecting the long-term sustainability of local schools. · There was significant pressure on school governors and leaders to manage finances, resources, and operational demands alongside delivering high-quality education. · Proactively merging the schools into a single all-through Catholic primary school aimed to reduce transition points, create financial and operational efficiencies, and would maintain high-quality Catholic education in the area. Officers were invited to make additional comments; they advised the following: It was clarified that the proposal constituted a merger and a formal closure of St Bernadette, in line with guidance from the Office of the Schools Adjudicator. The educational benefits were highlighted, particularly for vulnerable children, such as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), through seamless transition from nursery to Year 6. Ewa Ostrynska, Headteacher of St Bede’s and St Bernadette Catholic Schools, and Meabh Quoirin, Chair of Governors for the schools, attended the meeting. The following points were made: The decision to consolidate at the St Bede’s site was based on proximity to the Church community and logistical advantages. The amalgamation would enhance safeguarding, educational continuity, and financial efficiency (e.g., shared contracts, unified training, and curriculum leadership). The move to a single site offered significant strategic and leadership benefits by simplifying management, enabling a unified vision, and enhancing both environmental and financial sustainability by maximising resources for the benefit of the entire school community. It was confirmed that the Diocese would decide on the future use of the vacated St Bernadette site. In response to questions from Cabinet Members, officers explained that the school’s financial position was expected to strengthen over time as a result of operational efficiencies and cumulative cost savings achieved through the merger. RESOLVED: To agree the amalgamation of St Bede’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School with St Bernadette Catholic Junior School taking effect by 1 September 2025; To agree the extension of age range at St Bede’s Catholic Infant and Nursery School and To agree the closure of St Bernadette Catholic Junior School.
Date of Decision: June 30, 2025