General · 22 April 2026

Why fewer pupils are leaving England schools half empty?

School budgets could tighten and closures may rise as fewer children mean less money linked to pupil numbers. A National Audit Office report said falling birthrates have created extra places, while the Department for Education only began tracking these risks in 2024 after primary enrolments started falling in 2018. Another 7% drop is expected by 2030.

By BriefTea Editorial · 22 April 2026 at 14:56

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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