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Head's Fear Over Pupil Numbers

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 March 2006, 12:00 CST

By Tony Collins

THE head teacher of a Sutton Coldfield primary school has spoken of the problem of falling pupil numbers.

Sue Twells, head of Coppice Primary, in Four Oaks, said declining birth rates were adversely affecting schools' intakes.

She said that while parents may think it beneficial to their child's education to be part of a smaller class, pupil numbers are the most significant factor in the determination of schools' budgets.

"Fewer children mean reduced budgets," Mrs Twells added.

"This can be counterproductive, since savings have to be made somewhere in the school.

She said falling rolls were a problem in Four Oaks, where her school is located.

"A declining birth rate, the maturity of the area - where many families have now grown up - and a lack of new families moving in mean fewer children need places at local schools.

Thus schools are not filled to capacity," she said.

"The situation in Four Oaks is actually very positive for those parents who would like to send their children to schools in this area but may not previously have met criteria or thought they would not have a chance of being awarded a place.

"The declining birth rate in this area means a wider choice of good schools for children living in surrounding areas who can now benefit from places in our local schools."

A new system, introduced last year for admission of reception children in Birmingham primary schools, now requires parents to make first, second and third choices. Children are then allocated a place at a school for which they meet the admission criteria.

Coppice Primary School will be holding an Open Day on Wednesday, April 5. For further information about the school, phone 0121 464 7022 or you can e-mail enquiry@coppice.bham. sch.uk.

Source: Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK)

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