Copenhagen and Vittoria Q and As

What will the amalgamated school be called?

Under the proposal the amalgamated school would be called Vittoria school. By moving to the Copenhagen site, keeping the Vittoria name, and bringing the best practice of both schools together, we think we will keep the identities of both schools.

Can the amalgamated school have a new name?

At this stage the amalgamated school cannot have a new name. The Department of Education guidance does not permit a name change for school amalgamations of this nature.

However, a name that combines Vittoria and Copenhagen could be agreed if the amalgamation goes ahead. This would happen after the amalgamation and would be proposed by the Governing Body.

The Governing Body has agreed to explore a new name should the amalgamation go ahead. This could be Vittoria and Copenhagen Community School or something similar, but it is not something that can be explored at this stage in the process.

Will there be any change this academic year i.e. before July 2023?

No. If we decide to proceed with our proposal, the amalgamation will take effect from September 2023. Vittoria and Copenhagen schools will operate as two schools until then.

Will the amalgamated school have 45 pupils in a class?

No. By law, no class is allowed to be larger than 30 pupils.

Our proposal is to create a 1.5 form entry school, meaning there are up to 45 pupils in each year group, but no class will be larger than 30 pupils.

Is there space for all existing pupils in the amalgamated school? 

Yes, we will guarantee a place for all existing pupils in the amalgamated school and for all pupils offered a place from September 2023.

Why is enrolment in Islington’s primary schools falling? 

Across London, there has been a reduction in pupil numbers because of falling birth rates, changes to EU migration (Brexit), the impact of COVID, and associated with housing, families relocating to places outside of London. Islington is not immune to this, and this is reflected in the growing number of surplus places available at our schools.

What is the council doing about this?

It is important that the approach we take to manage falling numbers across our schools is consistent and so we have developed a School Organisation Plan. The School Organisation Plan sets out how we will confidently manage surplus capacity in our schools to ensure the best outcomes for our children and young people and sustainability of schools.

Why is Islington Council amalgamating schools?

School amalgamation brings together two (or more) schools as one single school, located on the same site and under the same leadership and governance. We are only considering school Amalgamation where it is in the best interest of children to do so. Where it is necessary to reduce the number of schools to achieve our vision for education in Islington, amalgamation, rather than closure, is the preferred option as this allows children to move together at one time to another school; to stay with their cohort and familiar staff; and reduces the risk of redundancy for staff.

How did Islington Council decide which schools to amalgamate?

We decided to consult on a proposal to amalgamate Copenhagen and Vittoria schools only after all other options had been explored. There has been a significant reduction in the number of children attending both schools, which has been falling over time and is impacting on their financial viability; the projections show a continued reduction of pupil numbers in the area in the future; and there is a strong federated relationship between the two schools which will support an effective transition.

Why can't you simply reduce the number of pupils in classes to improve the quality of education?

Schools are funded on the number of pupils they have, and 30 pupils per class funds schools at an appropriate level to staff classes and pay running costs. A school with vacancies is still required to fund the same level of fixed costs as though it was full; these include the maintenance and running of school buildings. Reduced revenue funding arising from pupil vacancies within the school can have a potential negative impact on the quality of teaching and learning, and less funding will be available to meet the fixed costs within the school.  It is not possible to have small class sizes and be financially viable.

I don’t want my child to go to the amalgamated school. Can they go to another school instead?

Yes this is possible. We would offer on-line School Admissions Surgeries at convenient times especially for parents of both schools to talk directly to School Admissions Officers to discuss available options should this proposal be agreed.

What do the schools think about this decision?

The leadership of the Federation has maintained a close partnership with Islington Council in developing this proposal and is committed to working closely with parents, carers and school staff to create a truly outstanding school on one site should these proposals be agreed.

Will there be redundancies at the school(s)?

It is too early to say as formal staff consultation can only take place if a decision were to be taken by the council’s Executive to agree the proposal. We will, however, seek to protect employment as far as possible for staff currently working at Vittoria and Copenhagen.

When will the amalgamating of the schools come into effect if the proposal is agreed?

September 2023.

How will you manage the transition of my child from school A to school B?

If the proposal is agreed, there will be a range of actions taken to support the transition of pupils.  These would be developed by the executive headteacher and the headteachers of both schools, considering issues raised during the consultation and asking parents what they would like to happen, as well as learning from what has been effective for other schools that have gone through this process.

If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan, their SEND Keyworker would contact the family directly to see if there were any special transition arrangements that needed to be considered to help the move to a new school go smoothly.

What will happen to the buildings that aren’t being used for education any longer?

We will explore in detail a range of options for the Vittoria school site should the proposals proceed. Examples of options that will be considered are: post-16 education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision or alternative provision; other council priority family related services; and other council services.

I have submitted my application for my child to start primary school next September. My first choice is one of the schools proposed to be amalgamated. Can I change my preference?

Yes, you can. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2023, and you can amend your preference any time before that date.

My child is already at Copenhagen school. Will they be guaranteed a place in the amalgamated school?

Yes, all children with places at Copenhagen and Vittoria school will be transferred to the amalgamated school. This means they will remain with their friends. As Copenhagen and Vittoria is already part of a Federation, both schools already share some staff and resources, so many of the staff will be known to the children.

My child is already at Vittoria school. Will they be guaranteed a place in the amalgamated school?

Yes, all children with places at Copenhagen and Vittoria school will be transferred to the amalgamated school. This means they will remain with their friends. As Copenhagen and Vittoria is already part of a Federation, both schools already share some staff and resources, so many of the staff will be known to the children.

What other options were considered?

Reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN)

Both schools are currently operating as 1 Form of Entry (1 class per year) and cannot reduce their size any further as this is the legal minimum size and the minimum size at which a maintained primary school is financially viable.

Maximise the pupil numbers

Both schools have sought to maximise their pupil numbers, however falling births in the area means there are not enough pupils to fill either school.

Make better use of spare building capacity

Copenhagen has spare capacity which has been maximised over the last two years by using a whole floor with separate entrance as the spare space for other schools to use when capital works are taking place. However, this use is not sufficient to address the budget shortfall.

Including children with SEND

Copenhagen and Vittoria have a higher proportion of pupils with SEND Support than the borough average and Copenhagen has the fourth highest proportion of pupils with an EHCP in the borough, and are already doing this.

Collaboration and Federation to achieve economies of scale

Copenhagen and Vittoria are already part of the Islington Futures Federation with Elizabeth Garret Anderson and Beacon High. There are shared staffing posts across several areas, shared events and resources and they have completed a series of cost reduction measures. Over recent years, both schools have put cost saving measures in place to help tackle the financial difficulties facing many London schools and feel that continuing to cost cut within the individual schools would be to a detriment to the children's learning experience.

Why can’t the amalgamated school be moved to the Vittoria site?

• Moving Vittoria school to the Copenhagen site is the only option as the Vittoria site could not accommodate all the existing pupils across both schools.
• Moving to the Copenhagen site means whole classes can stay together and move with their friends and be in a school with familiar staff.
• This is a major benefit to this proposal as it would make sure every pupil is guaranteed a place at the new school.
• This would provide as little disruption to the quality of education as possible and allow for the very best of two schools to form the strong foundation of a single school.

Why has the Copenhagen site been chosen?

• The Copenhagen school building is significantly larger and provides greater play space, including separation for younger year groups for a 1.5 Form Entry school.
• As a larger site, the Copenhagen site also has the capacity for flexibility should the position ever change in the very long term.
• The Vittoria site is very well suited to a range of alternative education and community uses, which will be explored in detail should the proposal proceed.