A Catholic primary school in Gospel Oak will close due to a "steep fall" in pupil numbers "affecting financial viability".

Governors of St Dominic's Primary School, in Southampton Road have issued a statutory notice proposing that the school closes at the end of August.

In November they launched a six-week consultation into whether the school should close.

In a letter to parents on October 7, chair of governors Margaret Harvey said the number of pupils had dropped to 131, compared with a capacity of 315.

Shocked parents launched a petition to save the school, which has gathered more than 900 signatures.

In a joint statement, the Diocese of Westminster and Camden Council said: “Despite the steps taken by school governors and leadership of St Dominic’s to actively market the school to increase enrolment, there is still a huge challenge of falling pupil numbers locally and across London.

"This is adding significant financial pressure on the school and why the Governing Board has taken the decision to propose closure of the school.

“If the proposal is agreed, all pupils would be offered places at alternative local schools, including local Catholic schools, and the school would close formally on August 31, 2023.

"The school would remain open until that point, and we want to reassure parents that the school would continue to offer all pupils a high-quality education. Anyone can formally object or comment on this proposal, until midnight on 16 February, before a final decision is made in March 2023.”

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: "We fully expect the governors to blame the parents for this but closure was their only plan.

"My child and many others have moved to St Pauls CofE School in Primrose Hill as other "local" Catholic schools were either unhelpful when parents asked about places, full, or not local at all.

"We feel very let down by the Diocese with no support at all and no answers from them which caused many parent to give up.

"It was very stressful and the upheaval for my child was difficult. It's all shameful."

A council spokesperson said a decision on the future of the school is due to take place at a cabinet meeting in March.

To get the latest news and features direct to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here