Primary schools in London ‘may need to merge or close’ as intakes dwindle

The forecast is that the number of four- and five-year-olds starting in state primary schools will drop from 96,000 last September to 89,000 in 2026 – a fall of 7%. Photograph: James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock

Primary schools in London face financial pressures to merge or even close because of dwindling numbers of pupils caused by a falling birthrate, Brexit and the Covid-era flight from cities, councils in the capital have warned.

A report by London Councils – the cross-party group representing local authorities around the capital – found that 29 of its 32 members are expecting a sharp fall in the numbers of children entering reception classes until 2026-27.