Oasis Academy Putney, a primary school in South London, is set to close this month just nine years after it opened, becoming the fifth school in Wandsworth to shut since 2023 due to falling pupil numbers. The closure reflects a broader trend in the borough, where Wandsworth Council is considering reducing forms of entry at more primary and secondary schools to manage declining demand for places.
Council report warns of continued decline
A new report by council officers states that birth rates are expected to continue falling until at least 2030, leading to a reduced need for school places for over a decade. The report notes that this trend could shift if birth rates rise as more affordable housing becomes available in Wandsworth. Secondary pupil numbers are also projected to decline starting from the 2027/28 academic year. “All this has large implications for the schooling system,” the report said.
Reducing forms of entry as a strategy
The council has been using the strategy of reducing forms of entry—the number of classes per year group—in recent years to prevent closures. However, four primary schools have already shut since 2023, and Oasis Academy Putney will bring the total to five. The report indicates that more primary schools in Wandsworth are expected to reduce forms of entry in the future to tackle excess capacity.
The council is currently working with two unnamed primary schools to combine their year groups, a temporary measure aimed at securing their long-term viability. Additionally, a reduction of six forms of entry across secondary schools in Wandsworth may be necessary by 2031/32, with discussions ongoing.
Challenges for school budgets
The report highlights the financial strain on schools: “The next 10 years will be a challenging time for school budgets as the system adapts to a steady decline in pupil rolls and the resulting reduction in school budgets if nothing is done. It is critical that we work to ensure school classes are as full as possible.” It acknowledges that reducing forms of entry can be difficult for individual schools but stresses the importance of working towards overall school sustainability.
