London boroughs are supporting local schools as demand for school places continues to drop across the capital, a new report by London Councils has revealed.
The report, published yesterday, shows a predicted decrease of 3.6 percent in reception pupil numbers in London over the next four years. It also predicts a drop of demand of 2.9 percent for pupils beginning secondary school.
2023-24 also marks the first time London has seen more children in Year 7 than in reception, increasing the threat of further school closures in coming years.
London’s birth rate is the main reason for the decrease in demand for school places. Between 2012-2022 there has been a 20 percent decrease of the birth rate in London, which is mainly due to the severe shortage of affordable family housing in the capital, leading to more people deciding not to have families in London.
The continued reduction in school places is having an impact on the amount of funding a school receives, resulting in schools having to make difficult decisions about how to balance their budgets.
The report highlights the need for stronger powers for local authorities on school places, particularly over the future of closed schools so they can be used to meet local needs. It also recommends allowing local authorities to manage in year admissions for all schools which would reduce lengthy waits for children and streamline the application process for parents.
London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: “London Councils has welcomed many of the measures proposed in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that will create a fairer education system for all, but there is further to go. Boroughs will continue to work closely with key education partners in London to mitigate the impact of this drop in demand for school places on school budgets and children’s achievements.”
