Falling pupil numbers prompt school review

A council is reviewing whether some of its primary schools remain viable as falling birth rates continue to reduce pupil numbers.

West Berkshire Council has launched a consultation on managing surplus school places across the district, with school closures described as an option of last resort.

The number of children being born in west Berkshire fell from 1,744 in 2013 to 1,435 in 2023, with the decline now affecting school budgets and staffing levels.

Because school funding is largely based on pupil numbers, fewer children on roll means less money for schools to cover day-to-day costs.

Several schools have already had their admission numbers reduced in response to falling demand.

Chieveley Primary School, which has capacity for 210 pupils, had 171 pupils on roll in the 2024/25 academic year. The number of children living in its catchment area is forecast to fall from about 10 a year to between five and seven by the end of the decade.

Spurcroft Primary School, which has capacity for 420 pupils, had 368 pupils on roll last year. Forecasts suggest pupil numbers will continue to decline over the coming years.

Other schools experiencing falling reception numbers include Kintbury St Mary's Primary School, Aldermaston CofE Primary School and Pangbourne Primary School.

The review will consider a range of options, including reducing admission numbers, forming partnerships with other schools or joining academy trusts. The council said closure would be considered only where necessary.

Parents and families are not expected to be involved at this stage, although the council said reviews would be carried out in partnership with schools and other stakeholders.

The consultation runs for six weeks from 1 June, with a full review expected to take several months to complete.