Richmond Council to close Kew Riverside Primary, parents fight to keep school open

Richmond Council announced on 16 October that it intends to close Kew Riverside Primary School next summer. The decision follows a sustained decline in enrolment to 87 pupils and a forecasted budget deficit of more than £400,000 by the 2028/29 financial year. The council will confirm whether the closure proceeds in November.

Background to the proposal

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Kew Riverside Primary has a capacity of 210 places but currently serves 87 children, a drop the council attributes to families moving out of the area. Although the school is not in deficit at present, the council says the falling roll will widen the gap to over £400,000 unless action is taken. The authority highlighted that staffing reductions and other cost‑saving measures have already been applied.

Parents' alternative proposals

During the initial consultation, parents submitted multiple proposals they claim are financially viable and would keep the school operating. The proposals were presented to the council through the Local Democracy Reporting Service, as reported by MyLondon. Parents argue the school is not in deficit and that more time is needed to rebuild pupil numbers.

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We want a school, we don't want a building, we want to preserve the community.

Priscila Smith, parent

Financial picture

The council’s financial analysis projects a shortfall of more than £400,000 by 2028/29 if enrolment continues to fall. The figure reflects the gap between the school's operating costs and the funding it receives based on pupil numbers. Council officials said the shortfall must be addressed now to ensure the school's future financial sustainability.

Next steps

The council will review all alternative proposals and evidence submitted before the November decision. If the closure is confirmed, the school will cease operations in the summer of 2027. Parents have warned that the loss would force some families to relocate and would disrupt the education of children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, who have been praised by Ofsted.