Ellie Ames 29 January 2024

Schools face ‘impossible choices’ as demand drops

Schools face ‘impossible choices’ as demand drops image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

Falling demand for school places across London will have major implications for the future of education provision in the capital, a new report says.

The report by cross-party group London Councils warns that with the fall in demand set to worsen in many areas, school leaders and local authorities will have to make tough calls on merging and closing some schools.

London's schools will also need to make difficult decisions to balance their budgets, including having to narrow the curriculum, offer fewer after school clubs or reduce the number of teaching and support staff.

The report forecasts a drop in demand of 7,904 places across the capital in Reception and Year 7 – roughly equivalent to 262 classes – by 2027-28.

Reduced demand is linked to London’s birth rate, which fell by 17% between 2012 and 2021, and families leaving the capital for reasons including the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis.

London Councils said authorities should be able to direct academies to reduce pupil numbers where needed, as they do with maintained schools.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Passenger Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£24,796 - £25,989 per annum pro rata
The team delivers approximately 250,000 passenger journeys per year including 20,000 wheelchair user journeys. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Corporate Director – Adults & Health

Newham London Borough Council
£170,601 - £189,924
Lead Change. Shape Lives. Be Part of Something New. Newham, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Newham London Borough Council

Assistant Director, People

Essex County Council
£89,116 - £104,843 per annum
Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. England, Essex, Chelmsford / Hybrid
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Swimming Instructor

North Yorkshire Council
£15.06 - £16.35 per hour
We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic Level 2 Swim Teachers to join our leisure centre. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Hub officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254- £31,022 per annum)
Have you got a passion for giving excellent customer service? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner