When can PAN change?

[ThatBeverleyMacca]

Hi,

Our DS will be starting reception in September 2026, so we will need to apply by January next year. The two schools we are most interested in at the moment both have a PAN of 90, but neither managed to fill all their places in the initial allocation round this year (one filled 68 and one 72 places). I’ve read on here about schools reducing PAN due to being undersubscribed and I wondered when the deadline for them to do this for next year would be? The admissions policy for 2026 entry is already on both school websites, with a PAN of 90 listed for both, so is it too late for them to change this now?

Our area still has set catchment areas and we unfortunately live marginally over the catchment boundary for both in different directions (we live very close to where several catchment areas for different schools meet), so I’m a bit worried that it may be more difficult for us to get a place if either/both decide to reduce PAN to 60, though I obviously understand why they may decide to do this for financial reasons.

Thanks.

Any reduction for PAN for 2026 would have had to have been consulted on before Jan 31 this year, and published in the admissions criteria when they were released last month. So no, they can't change them
for 2026 admissions now.

Thanks very much @PatriciaHolm, that’s really reassuring to know

Actually, I think the school or LA (depending on whose school it is, so to speak) can apply for a variation, if it becomes apparent that e.g. only less than 2 forms worth of pupils are due to start in a 3FE school and there are sufficient places still available in the area? In order to ensure that the school doesn't find itself having to employ three teachers when only 2 are actually required.

e.g. in this recent case, regarding a reduction in PAN for the coming academic year from 60 to 45
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6808aad892d50839757a61dd/VAR2544_-_Westgate_Community_Primary_School_and_Nursery.pdf