Proposed Reduction in Published Admission Number from 90 to 60

Consultation period: 2nd November 2026 to 18th December 2026.

The Governing Body is proposing to reduce the school's Published Admission Number (PAN) from 90 to 60 pupils, with the proposed change taking effect from September 2028.

The proposed reduction is being considered in response to a sustained change in pupil demand and the need to ensure that the school is able to operate on a financially sustainable and viable basis over the medium and longer term.

The Governing Body considers it important to align the school's admission capacity with anticipated levels of demand, whilst ensuring that the school can continue to make effective and sustainable use of its staffing, accommodation and financial resources.

The purpose of this consultation is to provide parents, carers, staff, governors, the local authority, neighbouring schools and other interested parties with an opportunity to consider and comment on the proposed reduction in PAN.

The consultation will enable the Governing Body to take account of views and relevant evidence before determining whether to proceed with the proposal.

In particular, consultees are invited to comment on:

• the proposed reduction in PAN from 90 to 60;

• the proposed implementation date of September 2028;

• the anticipated impact of the proposal on pupils, families and the wider community;

• the relationship between projected pupil numbers and the school's admission capacity;

• any educational, operational or financial considerations that should be taken into account; and

• any alternative considerations or relevant information that may assist the Governing Body in reaching its decision.

The school has experienced a change in the level of demand for admissions and has reviewed the implications of maintaining a PAN of 90 in the context of current and anticipated pupil numbers.

Where pupil numbers remain below the school's planned capacity, maintaining a higher PAN can result in the school carrying staffing and other operational costs that are not proportionate to the number of pupils being educated.

The proposed reduction to a PAN of 60 is therefore intended to provide a closer alignment between the school's admission capacity and anticipated demand.

This alignment is important to the school's financial sustainability and long-term viability. It will support more effective forward planning of staffing, resources and expenditure and assist the school in ensuring that available financial resources are directed towards the provision of education and support for pupils.

The proposal is not intended to reduce the quality or breadth of educational provision. Rather, it is intended to establish a sustainable level of planned capacity which reflects anticipated pupil numbers and enables the school to manage its resources responsibly.

The current Published Admission Number is:

90 pupils per year group

The proposed Published Admission Number from September 2028 is:

60 pupils per year group

This represents a proposed reduction of 30 admission places per year group.

The proposed change would apply from September 2028, subject to the outcome of the

The financial sustainability of the school is a key consideration underpinning this proposal.

School funding is significantly influenced by pupil numbers, while a substantial proportion of expenditure relates to staffing, premises and other operational commitments. Where pupil numbers reduce, the school may have limited scope to reduce expenditure at the same rate without affecting the efficient delivery of educational provision.

Maintaining a PAN of 90 when anticipated demand is materially lower may therefore create ongoing financial pressures.

A reduction in PAN to 60 would allow the school to plan more effectively around anticipated pupil numbers and seek to establish a sustainable relationship between pupil numbers, staffing levels, available resources and expenditure.

The Governing Body considers that responsible financial planning is essential to maintaining the school's long-term viability and its ability to provide high-quality education for its pupils.

The Governing Body recognises that any change to admission arrangements may have implications for families, pupils and the wider community.

The consultation therefore provides an opportunity for stakeholders to identify any potential impacts arising from the proposed reduction, including matters relating to accessibility, admissions, pupil numbers, educational provision and the wider community.

All representations received during the consultation period will be considered carefully before a final decision is reached.

All responses received during the consultation period will be collated and presented to the appropriate decision-making body for consideration.

The Governing Body will consider the views and evidence provided through the consultation alongside the school's projected pupil numbers, financial position, operational requirements and other relevant factors.

The consultation is therefore an important part of the decision-making process, and no final determination should be assumed until the consultation has concluded and the appropriate statutory and governance processes have been completed.

The Governing Body recognises the significance of the proposed change and is committed to undertaking a transparent and meaningful consultation.

All interested parties are invited to submit their views and any relevant evidence during the consultation period of 2nd November 2026 to 18th December 2026.

The Governing Body will give due consideration to all representations received before determining whether the proposed reduction should proceed.