Falling pupil numbers in London risk undermining school standards and forcing cuts to staff and programmes, according to a new London Councils report.
School Capacity Survey data from the city’s 32 boroughs show demand for Year 7 places could fall by 3.8% and reception places by 2.5% over the next four years, with the sharpest declines in inner London.
Because schools in England are funded on a per-pupil basis, the capital’s schools could collectively lose around £45m in funding between 2025/26 and 2029/30 — roughly £15m for primary and £30m for secondary schools.
London Councils says falling rolls have already contributed to approximately 90 school closures or mergers in the last five years and warns that continued declines risk narrowed curricula, reduced extra-curricular activities and fewer support services.
The cross-party group is urging the Government to ensure sustainable funding so schools can maintain broad, inclusive education and avoid further threats to standards.
London Councils’ executive member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ian Edwards, said: ‘Boroughs are doing all they can locally to manage this whilst ensuring London’s education estate is protected, so school sites can continue to meet future need - particularly given the capital’s acute housing pressures and ambitious targets for housing growth. Without action to reflect London’s circumstances, schools risk having to narrow the curriculum and reduce vital support for pupils.’
