Bradford schools with falling rolls could be offered financial support

The Bradford Schools Forum, made up of heads and representatives of schools throughout the district, yesterday heard that a number of primary schools had asked for support due to reduced rolls.

Schools receive funding based on pupil numbers, so when fewer children attend, schools have less money to pay staff and maintain the same level of education for their remaining pupils.

Members were told that falling numbers can be down to changing demographics, new schools opening nearby or poor Ofsted results leading to parents choosing alternative schools for their children.

Andrew Redding, Schools Finance Officer, said schools are classed as under-subscribed if they have 90 per cent or less pupils than they are capable of teaching.

In Bradford that amounts to 24 primary schools - 13 council run schools and 11 academies. A further 23 schools have receptions classes with 90 per cent or less of their capacity.

Schools with falling rolls may have to resort to teaching children from different age groups in the same classes.

Mr Redding said the forum could look to support schools through a "falling rolls fund" - which gives financial support to schools with falling pupil numbers. Council run schools and acadamies can apply, but only if they are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

The forum could also support schools using an "exceptional circumstances de-delegated fund" - although this would only be available for council run schools.

The forum agreed to look at the issue further, and the best way of providing support to these schools.

The issue will be discussed at the next meeting in October.