The London boroughs where number of primary school pupils are plummeting

Primary school numbers in London are reportedly predicted to fall by a further 52,000 pupils by 2028. This is said to be double the average seen across the country.

According to research seen by the BBC, the drop was because of falling birth rates, housing costs, and the cost of living. The biggest decreases, the broadcaster reports, were in Central London boroughs such as Westminster, Southwark and Camden. These all recorded falls in primary pupils of greater than 10 per cent.

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The Government has said that is committed to 'repurposing empty classrooms into nurseries'.

In January, London Councils - a body that represents the capital's borough authorities - said that the city's local leaderships and schools are 'currently dealing with a significant fall in demand for school places, with implications for school budgets and standards'.

The body added: "There are a number of localised factors which have led to families moving away from London, including the impact of: the Covid-19 pandemic, the increase in the cost of living, the UK’s exit from the European Union and the lack of affordable housing available in London.

"As more people choose not to raise a family in the capital, we have seen the birth rate in London continue to decrease."

How much pupil numbers are set to decline by in London boroughs

The organisation listed how much reception pupil numbers would decrease over the next four years.

In total, London will see a total of a 4.4 per cent decrease, London Councils predicts. In Inner London, an 8 per cent decline is projected. In Outer boroughs, a 3.1 per cent drop.

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