Local politicians have expressed concerns about the state of schools in Haringey after it was revealed that schools in the borough are lagging behind neighbouring Camden, Barnet and Islington.

Just 58% of children in Haringey go to a good or outstanding primary school compared to 92% in Camden, 91% in Barnet  and 89% in Islington. The figures are laid out in a report by Ofsted that compared schools across the country and show Haringey is third worst council in London for primary schools.

Figures for secondary schools also show Haringey behind neighbouring areas although the gap is smaller than for primaries.

Ofsted’s annual report also stated that schools in England are improving, with 70% of schools now rated good or outstanding compared to 64% five years ago.

The poor figures come after the Lib Dems have spent years campaigning for fairer funding and won a funding boost for the borough of £7.3m on top of the pupil premium from the Government worth £8.8m.

Cllr Katherine Reece, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on children and education comments:

“I want to know what the council is doing to address the state of our schools. How does the Labour-run council expect parents to continue to pay higher council tax than in other boroughs when they hear this? Parents rightly want the best education for their children and compared to Camden and Islington, Haringey is nowhere near to providing that.

“Urgent action needs to be taken to turn around the borough’s failing schools. Other councils have managed it.  Children in Haringey deserve so much better than this.”

Lynne Featherstone Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds:

“The Government has given Haringey Council £8.8 million to spend on our schools, and the Haringey Lib Dems and I secured an extra £7.3 million through our fairer funding campaign.

“We have some really great schools and teachers in our borough – and it is about time the Labour-run council steps up and starts supporting and fighting for them too, instead of complaining about a lack of funds!”