The numbers of school children in London is falling (see above). The ‘Managing school places and admissions in London’ report by London Councils has forecast an ongoing decline in demand for school places from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- They are predicting a collective drop of 3.6% in demand for reception places and 2.9% in year 7 places.
- The School Capacity Survey (SCAP) charts above, show all Inner London Boroughs expecting reduced numbers.
Consequences (BBC links) are that primary schools are closing. Two primary schools in Islington borough are to close at the end of the summer term, and four primary schools in neighbouring borough Hackney, have all made the headlines.
Related to this, the number of children in the capital being educated at home has also gone up, according to DfE figures.
- The biggest rise has been seen in Tower Hamlets, with a 63% increase from 240 to 390. Bexley follows with a 58% rise, from 260 children to 410, and then Barking and Dagenham, from 350 to 550 (a 57% increase).
- The most cited reasons home schooling are lifestyle choices, religious or cultural beliefs, a rejection of an exam-based education, wanting to give their child more support with their educational needs or mental health.
London Sport Insight plan to look at these trends and their implications on facility availability and activity levels later in 2025.