Dip in birthrates during pandemic sees school enrolment numbers drop in Walsall

Walsall Council has recommended to reduce its admissions at three primary schools following a decrease in enrolment numbers for reception.

Residents have been invited to have their say on the proposals which affect three council-maintained schools: Salisbury Primary School, Rosedale Infant School and Pelsall Village School.

All local authorities are required to consult on their school admissions at least once every seven years, and this year, Walsall hopes to reduce the intake at some schools, to better align with the reduced enrolment levels. 

The consultation opens November 18, and closes on January 10, 2025. 

If approved, changes would come into effect from September 2026.

Councillor Pardeep Kaur, portfolio holder for education and skills at Walsall Council, said: “These proposals form part of our statutory duty to ensure that all Walsall children have a school place within the borough.

“It’s recommended that we reduce the numbers at three primary schools, because we’re seeing less children enter Reception. 

"From looking at the data, it indicates a surplus of places over the next few years, so we want to match the data accordingly.

“This is happening in many places across the country due to a dip in birth rates during the pandemic.”

The low admission figures for children entering at reception are a stark contrast to those entering at secondary school. 

In September, Walsall Council approved £4.8million to be spent on increasing the amount of ‘desperately needed’ school spaces for 11-year-olds.

At the time councillor Pardeep Kaur said that without the necessary investment, Walsall Council would not be able to meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient school places. 

Four schools were earmarked to receive the investment to address the deficit of 286 school places by 2028.

To view and take part in the consultation, go to go.walsall.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-admissions/proposed-admission-arrangements-20262027