In recent years, a complex series of pressures have led to a growing number of schools across London being forced to close their doors. Declining birth rates are compounded by an affordability crisis driving families out of the city and a per-pupil funding model that places unsustainable strains on schools with falling enrolment.
According to London Councils, demand for reception and Year 7 placements is projected to fall by 4% between 2023 and 2028, creating a significant challenge for local authorities.
Despite this immediate decline, London’s population has always experienced fluctuations, and it’s widely anticipated that demand for school places will eventually rise again. This leaves a crucial question: how can we best protect these treasured assets and allow them to provide community value in the interim?
School closures are an emotional and sensitive issue. They disrupt children’s education and fracture the social networks formed at the school gates. For the wider community, these buildings are often landmarks filled with memories.
Leaving them empty, however, is not a viable option. A vacant school is a significant liability, vulnerable to vandalism and illegal occupation. We have first-hand experience dealing with squatters determined to take over former schools; their large size making them a perfect target for these groups. Without regular use, these buildings can also quickly fall into disrepair, increasing the cost of eventually bringing them back into service.
This is where property Guardianship comes in as a socially responsible and cost-neutral method of securing and breathing life back into vacant schools.
Our track record of securing former schools dates back to 2021 when we installed 17 Guardians into The Fulham Boys School. For two and a half years, our Guardians protected and maintained the building, engaged with the local community, and enjoyed affordable housing.
Since that first project, our work securing vacant schools has grown significantly.
In 2024, we successfully secured a an 80% rates reduction for a school in Central London by demonstrating Guardian occupation on behalf of the property owner.
In 2025, we’ve taken on a record number of new schools across London. From Southwark to Hackney, it has been remarkable to witness the positive impact our Guardians have had on these buildings and the communities that have formed within them.
The social value these schools offer goes beyond just affordable accommodation. Through our Re-purpose Project, we donate remaining school furniture to charitable organisations, preventing costly removal and unnecessary waste. We also engage with local community groups and arts charities to make use of the spaces, ensuring these buildings remain vibrant community hubs.
Our experience has taught us that former schools are in the highest demand by high-quality Guardians. They offer spacious and interesting living spaces in central locations, and their size provides the opportunity for true communities to develop. Our Guardians take great pride in the schools they protect, engaging positively with their local communities for the duration of their occupation and creating beautiful temporary homes.
Ultimately, securing vacant schools with Guardians is a solution that works for everyone – securing valuable community assets, adding social value and providing truly unique affordable homes for London’s key workers, creatives and young professionals.
If your vacant property is in need of protection, we’d love to hear from you.