A London Councils’ report forecasts a decline of 3.8% in Year 7 places and 2.5% in reception places between 2025/6 and 2029/30. Inner London faces the sharpest drop, as demand for Year 7 places is expected to fall by 7.6% and reception places by 6.4% over the next four years: 50,000 fewer school places.
Because school funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis that would lead to around £15m in funding cuts for primary schools and £30m for secondary schools in London.
To maintain a broad and balanced curriculum, London Councils is calling on government to work with boroughs and key education partners to support the secondary sector, sustaining enrichment opportunities and protecting inclusive special educational needs provision.
