- London has experienced a significant 3.5 per cent decrease in primary school applications this year, attributed to a falling birth rate and families relocating from the capital.
- London Councils projects a further reduction in reception places, equivalent to approximately 87 primary classes, over the next four years.
- Despite the overall decline, 88.4 per cent of children in London received their first-preference primary school offer, with 97 per cent securing one of their top three choices.
- The decrease in applications has led to several councils planning primary school closures or mergers, with 90 schools having already closed or merged in the past five years.
- The capital's schools face a projected £45 million reduction in funding over the next four years, with a quarter already in budget deficit, impacting staff, specialist support, and curriculum.
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