Haverstock School in Chalk Farm

• LEAVING aside political views on free schools, your report raises some interesting questions, (Abacus Belsize Primary School eyes plans to move onto Haverstock School site, May 27).

First, how long have the clandestine “negotiations” been going on, and were Rhyl and Carlton governors aware of them?

Secondly, was any consideration given to Abacus moving in to the Carlton site?

Thirdly, what will be the impact on pupil numbers at Rhyl school which is, at least for the time being, saved from closure at the expense of Carlton, even if numbers of pupils in the area do not continue to fall, as they are predicted to do?

This impact on Rhyl would considerably increase if parent pressure resulted in Abacus moving to a two-form entry.

Fourthly, is this proposal the only way to save Haverstock School from financial collapse because of falling secondary school pupil numbers and its ongoing heavy PFI financial debt? Camden Council were surely well aware of the falling numbers at Haverstock back in 2019.

Lastly, is this what is really the reason behind the decision to close Carlton school?

If you were a parent of a primary school-aged pupil, would you prefer to send your child to an “outstanding” school with the wide range of facilities of a modern building or to one built at the end of the 19th century, free school or not?

Had the governing bodies of Rhyl and Carlton worked together when the Carlton closure was first mysteriously ”leaked”, back in October 2019, and had they realised the possibility of Abacus becoming part of the “mix”, then things might have been different for Carlton parents, pupils, and staff.

MICK FARRANT, NW5