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Written question asked by Nesil Caliskan (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 October 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Admissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support her Department is providing to (a) schools and (b) local authorities experiencing falling pupil numbers.

Answer

We recognise that falling pupil numbers can present difficult strategic choices for local areas. Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that sufficient school places are available. We expect local authorities, academy trusts and other partners to work together to balance supply and demand as local demographics change.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 introduced measures to strengthen cooperation between local authorities and schools on admissions and place planning.

The department’s ‘Strategic school place planning framework’, due to be published this autumn, will support earlier strategic discussions and more transparent, evidence-led decisions about mainstream school capacity and space. It will help local leaders balance the opportunities presented by falling birth rates – such as using space to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, school-based nursery provision and Best Start Family Hubs – against longer-term risks.

The government is supporting the sector to repurpose space through new capital investment, including £400 million for school-based nursery places and £3.7 billion over 5 years to create tens of thousands of specialist places, including within mainstream schools.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
34264
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Admissions Local government Pupils Schools
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk