This week 30 years ago: Islington Green School facing closure because of ‘unpopularity’

Islington Green School was facing closure – because not enough pupils were choosing to study there.

An inspection report said “drastic changes” were required for the school, in Prebend Street, so it would become more popular with pupils and parents.

In 1982, the number of “first preference” applicants was 210, but it had fallen to 78 in 1986.

It closed in 2008, and is now City of London Academy Islington.

Highbury Fields School, meanwhile, was praised for its “orderly” atmosphere.

However, some teachers were criticised for “over-indulgence”, resulting in a “diminution in the quality of teaching and learning”.