Could a declining number of children in London lead to permanent school closures?

According to recent analysis by the Education Policy Institute, primary school pupil numbers peaked in London in 2017/18 at just over 700,000. However, since peaking, the national primary pupil population has fallen by nearly 2 per cent, while the London primary pupil population has fallen by 6.25 per cent.^[1]

Schools are funded on a per-pupil basis, and therefore a reduction in the number of children has an impact on school budgets and the financial viability of schools.

The London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet tomorrow to continue its investigation into the declining number of children in London.

The Committee will speak to experts about the longer term impacts a reducing number of children will have on London’s schools and wider economy, and how London can become a more ‘child-friendly city’.

Guests include:

Panel 1 (10:00am – 11:20am):

Jon Andrews, Head of Analysis and Director for School System and Performance, Education Policy Institute
Councillor Ian Edwards, Executive Member for Children and Young People, London Councils
Lucy Heller, Chief Executive, Ark

Panel 2 (11:30am – 1:00pm):

Phoebe Arslanagić-Little, Co-Director of the Boom Campaign and Head of New Deal for Parents, Onward UK
Dinah Bornat, Director, ZCD Architects
Tim Gill, Independent Researcher, Writer and Consultant on Childhood
Paul Lindley OBE, Social Campaigner, Author and Chair, Raising the Nation Play Commission

The meeting will take place on Thursday 13 November 2025 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Notes:

Education Policy Institute, So Long, London – An analysis of London primary pupil movements, 25 September 2025
Full agenda papers.
Hina Bokhari OBE AM, Chair of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee, is available for interview.
Find out more about the work of the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee.
As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

source: http://www.london.gov.uk/assembly