Applications for reception class places in London have fallen by 2.67% this year, according to new data, fuelling concerns about the financial viability of some primary schools, which may be forced to merge or close as pupil numbers decline.
London Councils, the cross-party group representing local authorities in the capital, said there had been a “significant” decrease in the number of applications for reception classes for the start of the academic year in September.
Primary schools received 87,277 applications – 582 fewer than last year – with falling birthrates thought to be the main cause for the decline. Between 2012 and 2021 there was a 17% decrease in the city’s birthrate.
Other factors thought to be at play include the aftermath of Brexit and Covid, which has prompted some families to leave the capital, while rising rent costs have driven others to find cheaper accommodation elsewhere.
London Councils said application numbers vary across different boroughs but warned the reduction in demand in some areas has the potential to impact funding of individual schools as most funding is allocated on a per pupil basis.
