Walsall Council is considering reducing the number of school places available in the area to keep up with a drop in the number of children being born.
The council’s proposal aims to make sure there are just enough school spots for local kids, without having too many or too few. With fewer babies born in the area in recent years, they’re looking to adjust the number of places at some schools to better match demand.
A public consultation is now underway and closes on Friday 10 January, 2025, and will take into three primary schools, Salisbury Primary, Rosedale Infant and Pelsall Village school.
If the proposals are passed, changes would be made in September 2026.
“These proposals form part of our statutory duty to ensure that all Walsall children have a school place within the borough, ” said Councillor Pardeep Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills
Walsall Council.
“It’s recommended that we reduce the numbers at three primary schools, because we’re seeing less children enter Reception.
“From looking at the data, it indicates a surplus of places over the next few years, so we want to match the data accordingly.
“This is happening in many places across the country due to a dip in birth rates during the pandemic.”
If you live in Walsall and want to share your thoughts on the proposal, the council is inviting local parents and residents to provide feedback. Check out the consultation page for more details.