Enfield Council Considers Closing Three Schools
Falling pupil numbers prompt review of Bishop Stopford’s, Suffolks Primary, and Starks Field Primary.
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Enfield Council is reviewing the futures of three schools within the borough, with closure being a potential outcome. The schools under consideration are Bishop Stopford’s School, a secondary institution, alongside two primary schools, Suffolks Primary School and Starks Field Primary School. All three schools have been identified by the council as being under review, a fact that has caused anxiety among staff, parents, and pupils.
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The potential closures stem from significant declines in student enrollment. Bishop Stopford’s School, located in Carterhatch ward, had 554 pupils at the start of 2026, representing a 25% decrease over the last decade. The school’s capacity is more than double its current enrollment. Suffolks Primary School, situated nearby, has seen its numbers fall by approximately 45%, with 182 pupils registered. Starks Field Primary School, in Edmonton, has experienced the steepest decline, with enrollment dropping by 58% to 187 pupils. Despite these figures, all three schools have received 'good' ratings from the education watchdog Ofsted.
Decision on Consultation Pending
A formal decision on whether to initiate a public consultation regarding the proposed closures is scheduled for Wednesday, 14 October. This decision will be made by senior Conservative councillors at a cabinet meeting. The council has stated that no immediate changes will occur and that schools are operating as normal. Enfield North MP Feryal Clark has expressed "considerable concern and distress" to the council's leadership about the impact of the review process on the school communities. She has called for a two-year transitional period for existing students if closures proceed, to allow them to complete their qualifications.
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Concerns Over Process and Alternatives
Labour group leader Ergin Erbil has argued that falling pupil numbers should not automatically result in school closures and that wider issues must be considered. He also stressed the need for transparent and inclusive consultations. The council's cabinet member for children’s services, Chris Dey, stated that the review aims to ensure the right balance of mainstream and specialist school places. Trevor Blackman, chief executive of Edmonton Community Partnership, raised concerns about closing existing schools, particularly Starks Field, which serves vulnerable families. He called for a thorough assessment of the impact on attendance, engagement, and safeguarding should Starks Field close. The council is also facing rising demand for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision, with suggestions that former mainstream school sites could be prioritised for Send facilities.
Questions this report answers
+Which schools is Enfield Council considering closing?
Enfield Council is considering the closure of Bishop Stopford’s School, a secondary school, and two primary schools: Suffolks Primary School and Starks Field Primary School. These schools are being reviewed due to significant drops in their student enrollment numbers over recent years.
+Why are these schools being considered for closure?
The primary reason for the potential closures is a substantial decline in pupil numbers. Bishop Stopford’s School has seen a 25% decrease over a decade, while Suffolks Primary School’s enrollment fell by 45% and Starks Field Primary School’s by 58%. This has led the council to review their viability.
+When will a decision be made about consulting the public?
A decision on whether to launch a public consultation regarding the proposed school closures is scheduled to be made at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 14 October. This meeting will determine the next formal step in the review process.
+What concerns have been raised about the closure process?
Local MP Feryal Clark and Labour group leader Ergin Erbil have expressed concerns about the handling of the review, citing a lack of transparency and the distress caused to school communities. They are calling for more meaningful and inclusive consultations.
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