Refuse the application from the Meller Educational Trust to open a Free School and Sixth Form on the Ladbroke House site in Highbury and use the site to provide affordable housing for keyworkers, including local teachers.
Why is this important?
A new school with sixth form provision will bring over extra 1,000 pupils to an already busy and congested part of Islington, right next to two Secondary Schools, both of which are rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, as well as numerous local primary schools and childcare settings. Islington already has sufficient school places.
Having spent £33.5M on the Ladbroke House building to provide a school that is not wanted or needed, the Department for Education should listen to the local community and use the building to provide affordable housing for keyworkers, including local teachers, who are priced out of living in Islington.