A struggling Tottenham primary school could be merged with a nearby school to resist the Government’s bid to turn it into an academy.

Stamford Hill Primary School, on Berkeley Road, was recently rated “inadequate” by education watchdog Ofsted after being hit by financial problems resulting from falling pupil numbers.

In December, Education Secretary Damian Hinds issued an order that would force the school to join an academy chain in a bid to improve its performance.

But Haringey Council says it does not believe “forced academisation” is the right approach and wants to find a solution that takes into account “the wider needs of our schools community”.

The council has instead proposed closing the school and merging it with Tiverton Primary School in Pulford Road.

If the move goes ahead, pupils currently attending Stamford Hill will be given places at Tiverton – which lies a short distance away on the opposite side of Seven Sisters Road.

Cllr Elin Weston, cabinet member for children, education and families, told Tuesday’s (March 12) cabinet meeting: “As an authority, and personally, we do not think academisation is the right approach.

“Instead, we believe we as a council are best placed – in consultation with our schools – to make decisions that support the needs of children and young people and the wider needs of our schools community.”

Growing numbers of schools are joining academy chains to deal with rising budget deficits resulting from real-terms cuts to government education spending.

Academies are funded directly by the Government and are also able to raise revenue through sponsorship deals with businesses and other organisations.

But opponents of academisation – which removes schools from the control of local councils – claim it takes away democratic oversight of education and does not lead to better outcomes for children.

Academisation can also have a knock-on effect on a council’s ability to finance the schools that remain under its control.

Several schools in neighbouring Enfield – including Walker Primary School and Galliard School – have recently faced calls from teachers, councillors and parents to halt their plans to join academy chains.

Haringey Council says the proposed merger is supported by governors from both Tiverton and Stamford Hill primary schools.

Cabinet members agreed to launch a six-week consultation on the merger, with a final decision on the future of Stamford Hill expected to be reached in the autumn.