MORE of Bradford’s primary schools are likely to have to reduce pupil numbers in the coming years, education bosses have been told.

Falling birth rates in the district mean many schools are now operating under capacity - with around four schools worth of unfilled spaces spread across the District.

Members of Bradford’s Schools Forum heard that many undersubscribed schools would likely have to reduce their pupil admission numbers, or face major funding shortfalls.

The Forum, made up of heads of local schools and academies, met in City Hall yesterday morning.

They heard that 29 schools in Bradford were currently operating with a capacity of lower than 90 per cent. One school is only 70 per cent occupied.

Falling birth rates lead to admission numbers at two primary schools being reduced

Earlier this year Bradford Council approved plans to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at two primary schools - Carrwood Primary School in Holme Wood and Low Ash Primary School in Shipley.

Although there had been a “bulge” in the numbers of primary school aged children in Bradford several years ago, this bulge has now moved to secondary schools. Several years of falling birth rates has meant that schools that once struggled to find space for pupils are now below capacity.

A school’s funding is directly related to the number of pupils attending the school, so too many vacancies mean that schools do not receive the maximum possible revenue.

The Schools Forum were given an update on its Falling Rolls Fund - a pot of funding created last year to support schools that experience a “blip” in their rolls.

To qualify for this funding schools have to be good or outstanding, capacity of 90 per cent or less and prove their falling rolls are temporary.

Members heard that none of the 29 schools operating below capacity qualified for this fund.

School finance officer at Bradford Council Andrew Redding said the Council may deal with the drop in pupil numbers through PAN management.

He added: “There were conversations with two schools that took place this week, and the local authority is likely to put forward a number of PAN changes in Autumn.

Sir Nick Weller, director of the Dixons Academy Chain, said: “There are 29 schools operating on 89 per cent capacity or less. That would be equivalent to four schools worth of spaces that are not needed.”

Carol Dewhurst, Chief Executive Officer of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, pointed out that forecasts for future pupil numbers in Bradford predict more than four schools' worth of unneeded provision.

It was asked whether the Council was considering closing schools.

Marium Haque Deputy Director for Education and Learning at Bradford Council, said it was important schools remained "community based" adding: "Wherever possible we want children to go to schools close by. We will be looking at PAN reduction. We're not saying anything is off the table, but there is no immediate appetite to close schools."