BRUSSELS

Declining numbers of children in England could lead to the closure of up to 800 primary schools by 2029, according to a study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), reported by The Guardian.

The think tank attributed the national decline in state primary school pupils primarily to falling birth rates.

It warned that declining pupil numbers could put schools under severe financial pressure, with many local councils already struggling to maintain operations.

The report also noted that factors beyond birth rates, such as high housing costs, are shaping family decisions on where to live and where to send their children.

The trend is most pronounced in London, where families are relocating outside the capital or opting for private schools, the report said.

National primary school enrollment peaked at around 4.5 million in 2018-19 but has since fallen by nearly 2%.

It is projected to drop a further 4% over the next five years, representing a loss of 162,000 pupils – the equivalent of 800 primary schools.