A South London primary school is set to close less than a decade after it opened due to falling pupil numbers. Oasis Academy Putney said it had not been able to find a solution that would secure its long-term financial viability, despite extensive work with Wandsworth Council.
Leaders of the school, run by Oasis Community Learning, said it had not managed to attract enough pupils as families increasingly moved out of the area. Latest Government figures showed the school only had 121 pupils, aged four to 11, despite having capacity for 420 students.
The school opened less than a decade ago, in 2017, on the site of the former Putney Hospital, which was demolished in 2012.
Wandsworth Council, which is not part of the decision, said it would continue to work with leaders to “compassionately plan” for the school’s proposed closure.
John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, said the trust had not taken the “incredibly difficult” decision lightly, but it had been unable to find an alternative to continue delivering the education every child deserved.
Mr Barneby said: “For almost ten years, we have provided the children of Oasis Academy Putney with an excellent education. Their results exceed the national average, and we have continued to receive positive responses from visiting Ofsted inspectors.
“However, we have not been able to increase the number of children joining our school because fewer children and families now live in the local area, with both the impact of Covid‑19 and the increased cost of living contributing to this shift.
“This trend is not unique to our community, schools across London and the country are facing similar challenges, with falling pupil numbers making it increasingly difficult to maintain financial viability.
“Despite extensive work with the local authority and other partners to explore every possible alternative, we have not been able to identify a sustainable solution that would allow us to deliver the excellent education that every child deserves.”
The school kept its “Good” rating at Ofsted’s latest inspection in December 2024, where it was described as providing pupils with a “rich and ambitious curriculum”.
The trust will now consult on the proposed closure with parents, staff and the wider community. This feedback will be considered by the Department for Education (DfE), which will make the final decision on the proposed closure.
Mr Barneby added: “We know this news will be deeply upsetting for many. Our priority is to support our pupils, staff and families through this potential transition. If the closure goes ahead, we will work closely with our community to help secure alternative school placements and provide emotional and practical support. Staff would be offered personalised HR guidance and support, and access to wellbeing resources.
“During this process, we remain fully committed to delivering the best possible education and care for every child. We will continue to uphold the values and standards that make Oasis Academy Putney such a special place.”
A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: “Oasis Community Learning have taken the difficult decision to propose closure of Oasis Academy Putney at the end of this academic year. We recognise this isn’t a decision they have taken lightly, but one reached as they are unable to secure the long-term financial viability of the school and continue to deliver the excellent education that every child deserves.
“Wandsworth Council will continue to work positively with the trust and school as we navigate this process together and to compassionately plan for possible closure. This is to ensure that every child is provided with – and transitions smoothly to – an alternative local school, and where possible to retain their high-quality teachers and support staff within our Wandsworth family of schools.”
The school will close in July if the proposals are approved.
