This new report from the National Audit Office examines DfE’s approach to supporting the school system in England respond to falling pupil numbers, seen in primary schools since 2018/19. Nationally, demand for primary school places fell by 3% between 2018/19 and 2024/25, with DfE projecting a further 7% fall from 2025 to 2030. The proportion of unfilled primary school places increased, from 10% in 2018/19 to 14% in 2024/25.
DfE’s approach, support and funding for school places has focused on schools having enough spaces, in line with local authorities’ statutory duty. However, it has not taken timely action to set out how it will support the sector to respond to falling pupil numbers.
As part of its recent estates strategy, DfE has begun to respond, focusing on setting out how unneeded space could best be used. This should be followed by further action, as set out in the recommendations in the report, to protect value for money and the funding available to support educational outcomes.
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