London boroughs demand more powers over school closures amid falling pupil numbers

London Councils has also urged the DfE to empower local authorities to make decisions over changes to the use of school premises amid declining pupil numbers, “enabling councils to put valuable empty space to better use and reduce the amount of time closed schools remain unoccupied”. 

New research commissioned by the group and led by Islington Council highlighted the significant emotional toll the closure process currently takes on many families, children and school staff, who report feeling uncertain and stressed during lengthy processes.

“Some families are left in limbo for months during closure consultations, unsure of whether to look for new school places, while staff wonder whether to seek new jobs,” London Councils said.

Around 90 schools have closed or merged in London over the past five years.

Legal challenges have been threatened or brought in a number of cases where councils have decided to close schools.

Cllr Una O'Halloran, London Councils' Executive Member for Children and Education, said: "School closures can be a hugely disruptive experience for children, their families and affected school staff. Boroughs always exhaust all possible options before considering closures, but the ongoing decline in pupil numbers across London means we're increasingly facing tough decisions about the future of our schools. 

"We're calling on government to give boroughs greater flexibility, from admissions for displaced pupils to decisions on former school buildings, so we can manage this challenge in a way that puts children and families first." 

The Department for Education has been approached for comment.