Falling pupil numbers in London schools could put school standards at risk, according to a London Councils report.
Declining admission numbers have the potential to slash £45m from schools over the next four years.
The low pupil numbers in primary schools over the last 10 years are now resulting in larger declines in secondary school enrolment.
The School Capacity Survey (SCAP) data from all 32 boroughs shows a forecast decline of 3.8% in year 7 places and 2.5% in reception places between 2025/6 and 2029/30.
Inner London faces the sharpest drop in demand with year seven places expected to fall by 7.6% and reception places by 6.4% over the same time period.
London Councils estimates that the forecast decline for school places could lead to around £15m in funding cuts from primary schools and £30m from secondary schools, due to school funding being allocated on a per-pupil basis.
These estimates are calculated by multiplying the average per-pupil funding rate across London, derived from the Dedicated School Grant allocations.
Shrinking numbers have already resulted in approximately 90 school closures or mergers in the last five years.
As budgets get tighter, schools face difficult decisions including narrowing the curriculum, reducing subject options, and limiting extra-curricular activities.
London Councils is calling on the government to ensure that schools receive sustainable and adequate funding.
Councillor Ian Edwards, London Councils’ Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “Maintaining high education standards is the absolute priority for London’s boroughs.
“Without action to reflect London’s circumstances, schools risk having to narrow the curriculum and reduce vital support for pupils.”
London Councils sets out several recommendations for the Department of Education (DfE) including giving local authorities the necessary powers to secure school cooperation and that the DfE regional London team has to consult relevant local authorities when making decisions.
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