Falling birth rate putting futures of state primaries in doubt - head

THE headteacher of one of the county's oldest primary schools says he is concerned about the falling numbers at his school.

- By JOEL MOORE

St John's C of E Primary School, in Stapleford, has seen a steady reduction in the number of children enrolling over recent years, which amounts to many thousands of pounds in lost funding.

Longtime head Matthew Downes suspects the decline is largely caused the falling birth rate, something which is being mirrored across England.

The trend has resulted in lower demand for primary school places in some areas of Nottinghamshire, according to Nottinghamshire County Council.

In the city, the closure of Bulwell's Snape Wood Primary School is being consulted on.

In an announcement at the time, Nottingham City Council said it expected the falling pupil numbers in the area to “remain a problem in the coming years”.