Decision to close Sulivan overturned

A decision to close Sulivan School in Fulham was last night (Monday 1 September) overturned by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s cabinet.

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Wendy Aldridge, headteacher of Sulivan Primary School

A decision to close Sulivan School in Fulham was last night (Monday 1 September) overturned by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s cabinet.

In June, Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of H&F Council, announced his intention to review the decision in February this year in light of changes to the borough's housing policy. Anyone who wanted to share their opinions on the proposals for the two schools was given until Tuesday 12 August to do so.

The council’s new approach to housing policy emphasises the need for new affordable homes to rent, which is likely to increase demand for primary school places. This could have a particular impact on the south Fulham riverside development, where 1,000 extra homes are being built, meaning that places at Sulivan and New King’s would be needed for local children.

Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: "The latest results from Sulivan are outstanding (read more here) and the children, parents and teachers should be extremely proud of such a wonderful school.

“We have a democratic mandate to build homes Londoners can afford to buy or rent which means we need a radical change to local housing policies. There is evidence this change will result in rising demand for primary places which means we need to keep open this excellent school of choice.”

Rosie Wait, chair of governors at Sulivan School, said: “We are over the moon to come back and have this fantastic news after what has been a very challenging year. It is the best possible news we could have for the children, parents and teachers. We have had thousands of supporters and I want to thanks each and every one of them for all they’ve done.

“Our recent results really do speak for themselves and they were great despite everything that has gone on. There aren’t words really to describe quite how we feel! Everyone has worked really hard and will continue to work hard for all the children in our school. It really is fantastic.”

Overall the council received 51 responses to the consultation, with 47 positive responses in favour of the proposals.

Click here to read the agenda from last night’s meeting.

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