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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be worried about the low school intake this Sept?

51 replies

FurierTransform · 12/05/2026 19:33

My daughter starts year R later this year
The school typically has an intake of circa 60 children, split between 2 classes. All pretty normal.
I've just been told that this coming year it is going to be nearer 40.
They are still running 2 classes.

On the surface it sounds great, smaller class sizes is what everyone wants right?
But i'm worried what the unseen impacts will be - on staffing levels, school funding etc, whether the teachers are equipped to capitalise on it as it seems abnormal, & the knock-on effect to the school for the next few years. Are any teachers or school staff reading who can comment?

Is this a nationwide demographic issue this year? was circa 2022 a low birth year?

OP posts:
FrothyCothy · 12/05/2026 19:38

It’s a nationwide issue. Some schools locally had 3/60 places filled on offer day. They will get a few more as late applicants get places but it is a major issue for many schools, and seems likely to remain so.