Newham Council is considering the closure of Calverton Primary School by August 31, 2026, following a statutory consultation period. The decision was addressed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, detailed in the Public reports pack.
The proposal comes as a result of falling pupil numbers and associated financial challenges, according to a report considered by the Cabinet. As of October 24, 2025, Calverton Primary School had 174 pupils enrolled, significantly below its capacity of 420 places. This decline in enrolment has led to reduced funding from central government, impacting the school's ability to maintain a high-quality educational environment, particularly for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Cabinet Report acknowledged that a range of alternative options had been explored to support the school, including reducing the admission number, income generation, reducing staffing levels, merging with another school or joining a multi-academy trust. However, these options were deemed unsustainable given the projected further decline in pupil numbers.
To support Calverton Primary School staff who may lose their jobs as a result of the closure, council officers will work with governors and school leaders to provide advice on their employment rights and entitlements, including continuing professional development (CPD), redeployment opportunities, and practical support such as application and CV writing, and interview skills to enable them to find new employment.
Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, thanked the Calverton staff, the governing board and CPD federation, for their continuous work, dedication and support to the pupils, parents, carers and the whole school community including the excellent support it provides for our children with SEND. She also thanked all parents and carers of the school including the Newham family of schools, residents and other stakeholders on their engagement as the council navigated through this difficult process.
The Cabinet resolved to approve the proposal to discontinue (close) Calverton Primary School on 31 August 2026.
If the closure proceeds, the council will review alternative options for the use of the Calverton Primary School site, ensuring it remains for educational purposes unless the Secretary of State approves another use.
