Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 14, 2026

Purpose:

Content: Decision   RESOLVED that Cabinet: 1.1) recognised the value that St Nicholas Church of England School provides to the community of Elstree and the wider area. 1.2) are concerned that with proposed growth numbers in Hertsmere that St Nicholas CofE School will be important to ensuring that primary school educational needs can be met. 1.3) highlighted the potential impact of the loss of the school to the community along with the historic links as shown through its Voluntary Aided status. 1.4) agreed the funding of £10,000 to Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council as a contribution to efforts to keep St Nicholas CofE School open.   Reasons for decision   Cabinet have seen, and echo, the concerns from the local community at the potential loss of a community facility which benefits from Voluntary Aided status.   Cabinet are mindful of the limited amount of CIL funding available for educational purposes and that closing a site in this manner whilst accruing short term savings would potentially lead to a large capital bid in the future to re-provide provision in the local area.   Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council are actively looking at how to prevent the closure and therefore Hertsmere Borough Council providing limited financial support is the most effective way to positively contribute to the existing campaign.   Alternative Options Considered   The Cabinet were of the opinion that St Nicholas School was an integral part of Elstree and that the closure will lead to a loss of facilities to the local community in general.   Further, the Council was under immense pressure to increase housing, both through extending settlements and increasing the density on brownfield and existing sites. This is likely to have an impact on demand levels for both schooling and community facilities.   If the School site was lost, re-provision would be at an extremely high cost to the community a large proportion of which would have to be met by CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) Fund, but potentially without the benefit of the Church of England support which the school currently benefits from as a Voluntary Aided primary school.   If the School closed, it was also likely to lead to increased travel and transport costs for pupils from the Church of England faith as they would look to other CoE Schools. This would be disruptive, impacting community cohesion and the environment.   The school also has a large proportion of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabled) pupils where it disruption is likely to have an increased negative impact on their educational as well as emotional and mental health and well-being. SEND support across the county is already under intense pressure.   The Council could look at how to undertake a Judicial Review of the decision directly, or support other activities to prevent the closure. Undertaking this directly is seen as inefficient when there is already a properly constituted and organised body undertaking actions which could otherwise end up competing or frustrating each others activities.