Schools in London are facing significant challenges due to rising housing expenses and a declining birthrate, prompting expectations of additional primary school closures and consolidations. A notable decrease in the number of children entering reception classes is reported for the upcoming school year in September.
According to recent figures from local authorities throughout England, London’s boroughs are projected to see nearly 3,000 fewer children aged four enrolling in schools. This marks a 3.5% drop compared to last year, a trend that local council leaders attribute to the high cost of living in the capital.
Jon Abbey, chair of the pan-London admissions board responsible for school placement, commented, “The decline in birthrates, coupled with ongoing financial strains faced by families in London, particularly due to steep housing prices, has led to a reduction in overall school applications this year. We anticipate this trend will persist in the future.”
While approximately 88% of families secured their first-choice school, the success rate varied significantly across boroughs. In Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea, only around 75% received their preferred choice, while in areas such as Hillingdon, Tower Hamlets, and Enfield, the rate was closer to 95%.
Looking ahead, London councils predict a further decline of 2.5% in reception student numbers over the next four years, translating to a loss of 87 primary school classes, with inner London expected to experience the most severe impact. A continued decrease in demand for secondary school placements is also anticipated during this period.
Antonia Jennings, chief executive of the Centre for London think tank, emphasized that councils are grappling with fluctuating population dynamics and mounting financial pressures while striving to keep schools operational. “Decreased enrollment leads to reduced funding for schools. Over the past five years, 90 schools have either closed or merged. London is projected to face a £45 million reduction in school funding over the next four years, with a quarter of schools already operating at a budget deficit. This inevitably results in cuts to staff, specialist support, and the curriculum,” Jennings stated.
She added, “Simultaneously, the challenges facing London’s children are becoming increasingly complex. A growing number of students are living in poverty, facing food insecurity, and residing in overcrowded or temporary housing. This intensifies pressure on schools, as education is disrupted and teachers are required to fill in gaps left by strained public services. Without adequate resources for schools and local councils to assist families, the consequences will be felt by London’s children.”
National primary school offer day marks the occasion when families across England and Wales learn about school placements for their children starting in September, based on a selection of three to six schools designated by parents or guardians.
Shropshire council reported receiving 2,582 applications, which represents a 3% decline from the previous year. However, this reduction allowed nearly all applying families to obtain their first choice of school.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, noted, “While many parents will be pleased to have secured their first choice, this does not diminish the disappointment for families that were not as fortunate. There is concern that the overall national figures may obscure significant regional disparities this year.”
In Kent, applications saw a slight increase this year, with 89% of families receiving their first choice. In Cornwall, there were 4,757 applications, a 1% decrease from 2025, with nearly 96% achieving their first preference. Conversely, North Yorkshire, which has seen more than 30 rural primary schools close since 2018, reported a positive trend with a rise in applications.
