The Cabinet of Lambeth Council met to discuss the amalgamation of two Catholic schools and the adoption of the Lambeth Growth Plan. Councillors agreed to merge St Bede's Catholic Infant School with St Bernadette Catholic Junior School, closing St Bernadette in the process. The Lambeth Growth Plan was approved, outlining the council's strategy for inclusive economic growth over the next 10 years.

Amalgamation of St Bede's and St Bernadette Catholic Schools

The cabinet approved the amalgamation of St Bede's Catholic Infant School with St Bernadette Catholic Junior School, effective from 1 September 2025. This will involve St Bede's extending its age range and St Bernadette's closing. The decision was made in response to falling birth rates and declining pupil numbers in Lambeth, which have put financial pressure on schools. Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, highlighted that the merger would create a more sustainable, all-through primary school, reduce transition points for children, and preserve Catholic education in the borough.

Ewa Ostrynska, headteacher of both schools, explained that the decision to move to the St Bede's site was based on logistics, space, and proximity to St Bede's Church. Maeve Quoirin, chair of governors, added that having a single site would simplify management and facilitate strategic decision-making.

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, asked about the future use of the St Bernadette site. Officers responded that the decision would be made by the diocese, but that in the past, Catholic schools had been handed over for use as SEND¹ units.

Lambeth Growth Plan

The cabinet approved and adopted the Lambeth Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy for inclusive economic growth in Lambeth. Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, introduced the plan, emphasising its alignment with the London Growth Plan and the government's economic missions. The plan aims to bring together public and private partners to deliver homes, jobs, skills, and equitable access to opportunities for all residents.

The Lambeth Growth Plan focuses on four key missions:

• Commercial destinations, town centres and infrastructure: Aims to improve business destinations and town centres, increase commercial workspace by 10%, and create cleaner, greener, and more connected places.
• Growth sectors: Focuses on stimulating investment in the creative industries, health and life sciences, and clean tech sectors to generate 20,000 more jobs.
• Inclusive talent: Aims to invest in education and skills for 20,000 residents, supporting them into work and halving the number of people without qualifications.
• Housing and neighbourhoods: Focuses on enabling 10,000 new homes, securing affordable housing, and creating healthy, sustainable neighbourhoods.

Councillor Scott Ainslie, Green Group Leader, criticised the plan's reliance on market housing and private investment, arguing that it would exacerbate inequality and lead to environmental damage. Councillor Matthew Bryant, Deputy Group Leader of the Liberal Democrats, supported the plan's strategic missions but called for more detailed proposals to address the needs of young people leaving education without qualifications and for greater investment in the south of the borough, including Streatham Hill Theatre.

Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion, highlighted the importance of skills and employment in driving growth and ensuring that benefits reach all communities. Councillor Ben Kind reminded the meeting of examples in other areas where Green Party administrations had blocked progress and left working people paying the price.

Nabeel Khan, Corporate Director of Climate and Inclusive Growth, explained that the plan was an umbrella strategy, with more detailed proposals to be developed in enabling strategies. He also emphasised the importance of working with partners to bring forward investment.

Councillor David Bridson, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, welcomed the plan and highlighted the opportunities presented by the new Labour government, including rental auctions and the ability to build 1.5 million new homes. He also emphasised the importance of pro-business policies and the need to engage with health partners such as King's College Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.