Last week news broke that Camden Council was considering closing the doors on four faith schools in the borough, three of which are Catholic. 

My son's school- St Patrick's RC Primary School in Kentish Town is one of the schools included for review in the upcoming consultation.

The other schools named in the document are:

St Joseph's RC in Holborn, St Albans and La Sainte Union in Highgate.

St Patrick’s School is not just a name on a funding spreadsheet; it represents a lifeline and a beacon of hope for families like mine in the Kentish Town area. My son has just begun his educational journey here, and it fills our hearts with dread to think that a proposal might snatch away this invaluable opportunity for a Catholic education.

This is not just about closing a school; it’s about impacting the very fabric of our community. St Patrick’s is a cornerstone that provides more than just education—offering vital pastoral care and a nurturing environment that shapes the values and futures of our children. For many families in Camden, St Patrick’s offers stability amidst the challenges posed by London's housing crisis and dipping birth rates.

We acknowledge the financial predicaments faced by educational bodies in Camden, but the answer isn't to deprive children of essential faith-based education. Instead, we call for a balanced approach: let’s actively explore innovative funding models, partnerships, or community fundraising efforts to keep St Patrick’s door wide open.

St Patrick’s is an emblem of hope, community spirit, and educational excellence. It is a sanctuary that has supported countless families and their children over the years. Losing it would mean losing a crucial part of our community’s heart. We urge local authorities, educational decision-makers, and the community at large to rally together to safeguard this vital institution.

The Diocese of Westminster has expressed their support for parents and pupils and is communicating with Camden council in an effort to keep the doors of these schools open. We therefore demand the following action from the Council:

1. Preservation of St Patrick's school with a reduced PAN and restructuring of the funding process to keep the school financially viable.

2. A Federation or an Amalgamation of St Patrick's with another Catholic School that would prsservethe Holmes Road site and the existing Catholic character and SEND provision of the school.

3.  A full cooperation with parent stakeholders and staff during the consultation process that includes full transparency. 

It's time to step forward and make our voices heard. By signing this petition, you’re supporting every child’s right to quality education and ensuring that St Patrick’s continues as a guiding light for generations to come. Please sign and share this appeal to save St Patrick’s School and preserve the educational integrity of our community.