Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Note the outcome of the consultation findings, consider and give full regard to the outcome when making a decision on the proposal.

2.    Consider the comments made by the Children, Families & Education Select Committee at their meeting on 9 January 2024 which considered the outcome of the consultation and endorsed the proposals.

3.    Agree to implement the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number for Whitehall Infant School and Whitehall Junior School from 120 to 90 September 2025, which will also reduce the distance priority radius from 1250m to 1000m in line with the Council’s admissions arrangements and note that in accordance with the School Admissions Code, Admissions Authorities must determine their admissions criteria by 28 February 2024.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education introduced a report, which Cabinet agreed, on admission arrangement changes at Whitehall Infants and Junior Schools, which had undergone consultation following last year's proposal to the Cabinet and sought to reduce the pupil admission numbers from 120 pupils per year group to 90.

The extensive consultation had been conducted in a fully inclusive manner and subject to Cabinet approval, it was noted that they were set to take effect from September 2025, requiring a considerable lead-in time.

The Leader of the Council again spoke of the backdrop of falling school rolls, particularly in London, due to declining birth rates. He welcomed the admissions adjustments as it aligned school place provision more closely with demand and mitigated the financial impact of falling rolls on the affected schools.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to amend the Published Admissions Number, but considered this would not meeting the Council’s duties insofar as education and could lead to the school suffering financial pressures.