Committees

Falling Primary School Rolls

Inquiry

Falling pupil numbers drive budget pressures for schools, most of whose funding is provided on a per-pupil basis, as facilities and senior staffing costs are relatively static. In 2023/24, 14.7% of local authority-run schools were in debt, up from 7.9% six years earlier. The IfG estimates that empty school places account for almost two-fifths of that rise.

This inquiry seeks to understand the causes and impacts of falling primary school rolls, the implication and sufficiency of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the work of the Government and education sector in meeting the challenges presented by falling demand for school places.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 3 June 2026.

Upcoming events

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Past events

Wednesday 22 July 2026
11:00am Private
Private meeting 22 July 2026
Room GR-13, Fielden House
Wednesday 15 July 2026
11:00am Private
Private meeting 15 July 2026
GR-13, Fielden House
Wednesday 1 July 2026
11:00am Public
12:30pm Private
Falling Primary School Rolls - Oral evidence 1 July 2026
11:00am
  • Georgia Gould MP (Schools Minister at Department of Education)
  • Alex Marsh (Director of School Analysis, System and Strategy at Department for Education)
  • Anne Spinali (Director of Strategic Finance at Department for Education)
Room 1, Palace of Westminster
Tuesday 30 June 2026
10:00am Private
Private meeting 30 June 2026
Archbishops' Room, Millbank House

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