URL: https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=11005

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Families

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: That pupil roll projections and other trend data set out in the report be noted.   That the continued increase in the number of children and young people with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) above demographic trends be noted.   That a planning margin of 5% above the GLA School Roll Projections continues to be implemented to provide for local variations in need, and to meet parental preferences.   That it is noted that school census, admissions, and the GLA School Roll Projections now indicate a sustained reduction in the need for primary school places in future years, with a significant surplus of Reception year places from September 2025 in some primary planning areas.   That the primary capacity reductions being delivered in primary planning areas 3, 5, 6 and 7 are noted.   Based on the analysis undertaken within this report, that Officers take the action set out below, working with local schools, academy trusts and where relevant the Department for Education to:   Primary Planning Area 1: No immediate need to reduce numbers. Recommendation to review situation with potential need to reduce places later in the decade.   Primary Planning Area 2: Recommend reducing capacity by 1 form of entry and then keep under review for possible further reduction from 2028 onwards.   Primary Planning Area 3: Recommend reducing capacity by 1 form of entry and then keep under review for possible further reduction from 2028 onwards.   Primary Planning Area 4: Recommend reducing capacity by 1 form of entry and then keep under review for further reduction from 2027 onwards.   Primary Planning Area 5: Recommend taking out 1 form of entry and then keep under review for possible further reduction from 2029 onwards.   Primary Planning Area 6: Keep under review for reduction from 2027/28.   Primary Planning Area 7: Look to reduce capacity by a further form of entry by 2027/28 keeping the area under review for further future reductions.   Primary Planning Area 8: Keep capacity at current level and keep under review.   Primary Planning Area 9: Seek to reduce capacity by 1 form of entry.   Secondary Planning Area 1 (PA 10): Keep capacity at current level and keep under review.   Secondary Planning Area 2 (PA 11): Keep capacity at current level and keep under review.   In delivering reductions in primary rolls, consideration will be given to the need to safeguard the school estate.   That there remains pressure on secondary school rolls in the west of the borough, and that secondary school rolls are not projected to experience any significant reduction until the end of the decade.   That the specific pressures for placements for pupils with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are noted, and that the Council works with local schools, trusts and the DfE to bring proposals forward to increase capacity and improve provision where necessary. The High Needs Funding and Estates Review will be a key route for identifying opportunities to bring forward additional capacity.   That discussions be undertaken with schools, multi-academy trusts and the DfE, as outlined in this report, to ensure a sufficient supply of mainstream school places in the borough, including through expansions and opening new schools.   That the continued delays to progress in the DfE-led delivery of Redwood Academy special free school be noted, and that the Council continues to engage in conversation with both the trust and DfE about delivering needed specialist capacity at the earliest opportunity.   That the Council should actively seek opportunities to ensure equitable and fair access to all schools and all schools provide an inclusive education offer to all pupils.   That the Council should support schools in accessing Government funding to increase school based early years and wrap around provision, where proposals are targeted at areas of demonstrable need.   Where expansion is agreed, to implement through the education capital programme (subject to the availability of funds).   That the Working Group expressed significant concern about the impact of secondary schools and Multi-Academy Trusts capping secondary school admissions numbers and the impact on the Local Authority’s ability to meet its sufficiency duty for school places.   That Officers work closely with secondary schools and Multi-Academy Trusts to find a satisfactory resolution to proposals to cap school places in Years 8-11. Bromley Council has established policies and processes in place for the review and strategic planning of school places and related school organisation to ensure it meets its statutory responsibilities to secure sufficient school places as well as to make appropriate provision for children and young people with special educational needs.  This work also helps deliver the priority within the Local Authority’s Making Bromley Even Better 2021/31 strategy which aims to ensure that children and young people are supported to grow up, thrive and have the best life chances in families who flourish and are happy to call Bromley home.

Date of Decision: November 13, 2025