A six-week public consultation has opened on Ealing Council proposals which could see Viking Primary School in Northolt close and its pupils move to nearby Downe Manor Primary School.
The consultation opened today (5 October 2026), with parents, pupils, staff, governors and residents being asked for their views on the future of the two schools.
Ealing Council’s preferred option remains to close Viking Primary School and merge it with Downe Manor from September 2027. Children enrolled at Viking when it closes would automatically transfer to Downe Manor, although families would still be able to choose another school.
The council is also asking for views on keeping both schools open and other options for reducing surplus school places in the area.
The proposals have already prompted concerns from the Viking Primary School community. In a letter sent after the plans emerged last month, parents and others connected with the school questioned the case for its closure.
In the letter, seen by EALING.NEWS, the group said there were “important unanswered questions” about whether closing Viking was necessary and whether merging the schools would deliver the benefits being claimed.
The letter said: “Viking Primary School is not simply a number in a school-capacity calculation. It is a thriving community school that has served generations of local families.”
It added: “We accept that Ealing must address falling pupil numbers and financial pressures. But closing a financially stable, established community school should only happen where there is compelling evidence that it is necessary and that the proposed alternative will genuinely deliver the intended benefits.”
The group also questioned why Viking had been selected for closure, how many families the council expects would take up places at Downe Manor and how the financial case would be affected if pupils instead moved to other schools.
Ealing Council says falling pupil numbers are putting increasing financial pressure on schools, which receive government funding based largely on the number of pupils they have.
Reception numbers in the part of Northolt served by Viking and Downe Manor have fallen by 39%, from 285 in 2014/15 to 175 in 2025/26.
Viking had 192 pupils in May 2026 and physical capacity for 210, while Downe Manor had 208 pupils and capacity for 420.
Viking remained in cumulative financial surplus at the end of 2025/26 but is forecast to begin recording annual deficits. Downe Manor has recorded annual deficits in each of the past three financial years.
The council argues that combining the schools at Downe Manor would create a more financially and educationally sustainable school. Its report also says the Downe Manor buildings are in better condition and can accommodate all Viking pupils.
Councillor Blerina Hashani, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “We want all children in Ealing to have the best possible start in life. That means a good education, with access to a full curriculum, in a modern, high-quality learning environment.
“To make sure our schools receive enough funding to offer this now and, in the future, we need to carefully manage school places to match demand.
“I know people care deeply about their local schools so I would encourage parents, pupils, staff, governors and residents of both school communities to share their views as part of the consultation process.
“The council hasn’t made any decisions on the future of Viking and Downe Manor, and I want to hear from as many people as possible before we do. Your views will inform our decision, so if these proposals impact you, please get involved and take part in the consultation.”
The consultation runs until 13 November 2026.
Ealing Council’s cabinet will consider the responses before deciding whether to publish a formal statutory proposal for any changes.
If the closure proposal progresses, a final decision on Viking’s future is scheduled to be made in March 2027.
