Council warns of ‘critical’ threat to education quality as pupil numbers fall

A council has called on the government for support in the midst of falling pupil numbers, claiming the current funding model “acts against” urban areas.

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, Lambeth council has warned  that falling pupil numbers could “critically weaken the quality of education” in the borough if nothing is done to tackle key policies including the way schools are funded. 

Lambeth’s cabinet member for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Ben Kind, said: “The current National Funding Formula is particularly damaging to inner-city areas as it doesn’t base its funding on need, which in the past helped Lambeth schools change from worst-performing to some of the best.”

Due to the increase in cost of living, Brexit and a one-third drop in birth rates since 2016, fewer children are going to school in Lambeth.

Schools are funded by central government based on the number of students they have, which means most schools are receiving less money every year. 

In 2013 there were 3,243 children starting primary schools in Lambeth – in 2024 there are 2,324, a decrease of almost 30 per cent. This has left more than 529 vacancies in reception class alone – the equivalent to 18 empty classrooms.

A spokeswoman from the Department for Education said: “We are increasing school funding to almost £61.8 billion next year which will help to break down barriers to opportunity and improve the life chances of all children.

“The National Funding Formula distributes funding based on pupil numbers in the previous October census to give schools who see a reduction in their pupil numbers time to reorganise costs before it impacts their budgets. The formula is regularly reviewed to ensure it is fair.”

In April, research by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) suggested that Lambeth and Lewisham were likely to be hit hardest by falling pupil numbers, compared to the rest of the country. 

The report also identified Lambeth as the borough with the largest potential decrease in funding, with 21.2 per cent at primary and 15.7 per cent at secondary level.

In the open letter, the council asked the Government to expand the falling rolls fund, which provides short-term support for schools with falling pupil numbers, allowing more schools experiencing falling rolls to receive funding in addition to funding for schools that are in deficit. 

In response to falling pupil numbers, Lambeth council opened an informal consultation in May for residents and schools to comment on a number of potential school amalgamations and closures.

The consultation – which is open until August 18 – also focuses on further reductions in Published Admission Numbers (PANs).

The council has been working with its schools to reduce admission numbers in an effort to protect the quality of education in the borough. 

Since 2016, about 975 places have been removed from Lambeth schools across Lambeth – from 3,650 to 2,675. 

A formal consultation is scheduled for September, with the council considering final proposals in November. 

Cllr Kind said: “Lambeth schools have shown extraordinary resilience despite being hamstrung by 14 years of central government austerity. 

“Schools are the bedrock of our community and crucial to our children’s future. 

“We need the new government to act now to give us greater flexibilities on school funding and additional financial support for schools in need – so we can ensure every child in Lambeth receives the excellent education they deserve and to make Lambeth the best place for children to grow up.” 

The consultation can be found here. 

(Picture: Lambeth council)