Too much too soon

Southwark Council informed parents and carers in February that due to financial deficit and falling enrolment, Charlotte Sharman Primary School is at high risk of closure. With a pending decision due in June, it is a highly unsettling time for families and staff.

The short timeframe given by the council means families are being asked to make difficult decisions on their children’s education and well-being under immense pressure. Parents and children have shared their fears about dealing with the change; finding a new school, rebuilding their community and making friends.

Many families have expressed that the fall in enrolment, and corresponding financial deficit, at Charlotte Sharman is in direct correlation to the increase in new high rise builds that are pricing families like them out of the area. We are all devastated that the school is taking the hit.

A school worth fighting for

SDS have delivered dance sessions to all year groups at the school for over 10 years. They are inspiring neighbours and wonderful partners to work with. Through weekly classes at the school and end of term performances at SDS, we have seen first-hand how the incredible energy and commitment of staff is passed onto the pupils.

Charlotte Sharman is a unique school in the borough. They describe themselves as a ‘a school small enough for everyone to count, and big enough to make a difference”. The small class numbers mean that pupils with complex special educational needs can be supported with care and skill, and it is one of the only interfaith primary schools in the ward. Testimonies from parents and children are endlessly heartwarming and positive about the amazing environment that has been carefully created over decades of dedication and hard work.

How you can help

All of you who have enjoyed the building know that the school is a joyous and dynamic back drop to our work at the studios. The sight and sound of the children playing next door is synonymous with the creativity and playfulness that SDS is about.

Add your name to the petition

Complete Southwark Council’s Stage 2 Consultation Survey

GUIDANCE on completing the survey

When answering the survey question, please feel free to use/paraphrase any of the key arguments listed below. (Please note that Responses submitted in stage 1 of the consultation can be resubmitted or added to for stage 2.)

Why you do not support the proposed school closure

Children’s education is at risk – moving schools will disrupt learning and social development particularly those with special educational needs (SEN). Trust will need to be rebuilt.
A community hub will be lost, breaking up diverse communities who have lived here for years.
The impact on families and children is significant – they are already experiencing a lot of stress and uncertainty.
Overcrowding in local schools – nearby schools do not have enough spaces to accommodate all displaced students without impacting class sizes and resources.
Freedom to choose – it is one of the only interfaith primary schools in the ward.

What can Southwark Council do to address any impacts you have mentioned?

Stop the closure of Charlotte Sharman Primary School.
Listen to the families and commit to a longer, more meaningful, decision-making process. The speed of which families and staff at the school are being asked to navigate change is alarming and unreasonable.
Make decisions in dialogue with Elephant and Castle communities. Change must be with and alongside those affected.

Do you have any alternative suggestions to any part of the proposal?

Explore viable alternatives for keeping the school open such as:
- merge with a school that is a strong fit unlike the one previously tried
- commit to increasing enrolment and support the school to publicise
- support the school to secure additional funding
Reconsider root of the problem as described in the proposal, and takin into account the wider conditions in the borough that have led to dropping birth rates and the displacement of families.
Commit to tackling this by halting/slowing down the fast development of unaffordable housing in the area which is changing the demographic.

Siobhan Davies will be closed for maintenance from the 5 - 30 August. See you in September!

Urgent Action Needed | Charlotte Sharman Primary School at Risk of Closure

Our neighbouring school Charlotte Sharman Primary is at high risk of closure. We strongly urge all of you who use and love our building to please contribute to the consultation and ask Southwark Council to reconsider.