Teachers and staff at a centuries-old east London primary school have described how they are “absolutely devastated” that the school will close at the end of the school year.
St Mary’s CofE Primary School was first established in 1563 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I but is having to close due to falling pupil numbers.
The Stoke Newington school reportedly opened its current location tucked away behind Church Street in 1831, with areas of the old part of the building still in use.
Headteacher Breda McKelvey told BBC London that the school's numbers had been shrinking for several years.
She explained: "We started the year on about 70 pupils - deep down I knew I couldn't manage another year with the budgets and paying the wages - so for me it was inevitable."
She added: "I think it's a loss for the local community, to local businesses - we bring trade - but also to the church, to the people who have lived here all their lives and attended the school and the local families who do want a church school or a small school.
"A lot of parents want that tight-knit community."
The school has lost nearly 50 children since it was earmarked for closure at the start of the school year and now just 21 pupils remain across all year groups.
Several members of staff have worked at the school for more than 20 years.
Gloria Rose, who worked at the school for 24 years described how the school had improved over the years, adding “we like to put the children first with love and community”.
Meanwhile, Jay Kennedy has been the receptionist at the school for just over 20 years and has had four grandchildren attend the school.
She told the BBC: "I'm absolutely devastated, I understand the reasons why it's closing but it's just awful.
"It's such a small village school, it's heartbreaking."
Textbooks and teaching resources at the school are now being sent to over nearby schools to make sure they’re repurposed.
Last week the Standard revealed that dozens of schools across the capital are being forced to close or merge.
A perfect storm of factors has hit London, forcing families to live elsewhere.
Brexit, the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis and the lack of affordable housing have made it extremely difficult for families to afford to live in the city.
Alongside St Mary’s CofE Primary School, Hackney Council announced earlier this year it will close St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, as well as
It is also set to shut Sir Thomas Abney Primary School and merge it with nearby Holmleigh Primary School.
It comes after a number of primary schools were closed in the borough last year. One Hackney teacher told the Standard their school now resembles a “graveyard” and they have had to merge year groups to stop children feeling too lonely.
Many parents have been pulling their children out of the schools to try and secure spots at other nearby institutions.
The situation is not unique to Hackney with similar situations emerging in other boroughs.
Last month, Southwark Council confirmed that Charlotte Sharman Primary School in Elephant and Castle and St Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary School in Peckham will both close at the end of August, meaning eight schools will have closed in the borough since 2022.
