School organisation consultations

Like in many areas across the country, primary schools across Richmond are experiencing a significant and sustained reduction in pupil numbers.

Reasons for decline in numbers

This decline is driven by a decrease in the local birth rate and broader demographic shifts, including families relocating away from London due to the cost of living, and other socio-economic factors.

Reduced funding

Because school funding is allocated primarily on a per-pupil basis, fewer children directly translates to reduced budgets. Small schools and separate infant-junior models are particularly vulnerable, making it increasingly difficult to maintain staffing, protect broad curriculums, and ensure long-term stability.

Affected schools

The local authority is proud of its schools as they continue to deliver high standards despite the challenges of falling rolls.

However, the current level of demand for places at Kew Riverside Primary School, Hampton Wick Infant and Nursery School and St John the Baptist Church of England Junior School means that the schools are not sustainable in their current form.

Despite all of the efforts made by the schools, there are things that are outside of their control. There simply are not enough children to sustain the number of school places available. 

Consultation

To ensure our local primary schools remain strong and well-resourced, Achieving for Children, as the children's services provider for the London Borough of Richmond, is opening a pre-statutory consultations on two major proposals. These proposals are intended to take effect from 1 September 2027.

These consultations are being done by working in partnership with the schools, the governing bodies, the communities, and families to ensure full involvement in the review process and decision-making.

The proposals

We are making the following proposals:

Kew Riverside

The closure of Kew Riverside Primary School at the end of the 2026/27 academic year. For more information and to have your say, visit the Kew Riverside Primary School consultation page.

Hampton Wick and St John the Baptist

Bring together Hampton Wick Infant and Nursery School and St John the Baptist Church of England Junior School to create a single, sustainable 210-place primary school with an integrated nursery. This involves closing one school and extending the age range of the other. For more information and to have your say, visit the Hampton Wick and St John the Baptist consultation page.