"A new alert has been sounded over the declining number of school pupils in London. This could result in a 45m drop in Government funding for schools in the capital over the next four years and force headteachers to narrow the curriculum and axe classes. It could also result in more school closures. An estimated 90 primary or secondary schools in the capital have been forced to merge or close in the last five years."
"Although falling birth rates remain a significant factor, analysis shows there is also significant net domestic out-migration, especially from inner London, as families seek more affordable housing elsewhere. However almost 30 per cent of parents failed to land their preferred choice for their child, though the success rate varied by borough. Across all 33 boroughs, the School Capacity Survey data forecasts a fall of 3.8 per cent in applications for Year 7 places and 2.5 per cent for reception places between 2025/6 and 2029/30."
London faces a sustained decline in school pupils driven by falling birth rates, the cost-of-living crisis and rising private housing costs that are pushing families out of the city. Demand for Year 7 places in inner London is forecast to fall 7.6% by 2030, and reception-place demand is forecast to fall 6.4%. Across all 33 boroughs, applications for Year 7 are forecast to fall 3.8% and reception applications 2.5% between 2025/6 and 2029/30. Per-pupil funding cuts are estimated at about £15m for primary and £30m for secondary schools, risking narrower curricula, fewer classes and further closures.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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