Children with SEND are among those most likely to feel the effect of budget cuts as a result of a fall in pupil numbers in London, according to new figures.
London Councils, which represents the 33 boroughs in the capital, estimates that declining rolls could slash £45 million from school budgets over the next four years.
A steady fall in pupil numbers in primary schools over the past decade are now being felt in secondaries. Overall, around 90 schools have closed or merged in the past five years.
The organisation said that inner London faced the sharpest drop with demand for Year 7 places falling by almost 8%, while demand for reception places are expected to fall by more than 6%.
Because school funding is calculated using a formula that takes into account pupil numbers, it means that schools will have to make savings elsewhere, including cutting support staff, narrowing the curriculum and restricting extra-curricular activities.
Without action to reflect London’s circumstances, schools risk having to reduce vital support for pupils
School Capacity Survey (SCAP) data from 32 boroughs – which excludes the City of London Corporation – shows a forecast decline of 3.8% in Year 7 places and 2.5% in reception places up to 2029-30.
London Councils estimates that the drop in demand will lead to around £15 million in funding cuts for primary schools and £30m for secondary schools in London.
Without additional support, it said, falling pupil numbers and subsequent reduced funding risk limiting young people’s education – widening inequalities, restricting opportunities, and “undermining ambitions for an inclusive, high-quality education system in the capital”.
London Councils is calling on the government to ensure schools receive adequate funding, including protecting “inclusive special educational needs provision”.
Councillor Ian Edwards, London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “Maintaining high education standards is the absolute priority for London’s boroughs, but falling pupil numbers are putting real pressure on school budgets.
“Without action to reflect London’s circumstances, schools risk having to narrow the curriculum and reduce vital support for pupils.”
