Harrow is experiencing a significant drop in demand for school places, with 45 out of 53 state schools operating below capacity amid rising unfilled places. The decline in live births, which dropped by 20% from 2012 to 2022, is the primary reason identified. Contributing factors include a shortage of affordable family housing, impacts of Brexit, and the ongoing cost of living crisis. This trend forces local authorities to make difficult decisions regarding school funding and closures, as they navigate the challenges posed by these demographic shifts.
Figures show that all but eight of Harrow's 53 state schools are operating below their capacity, with hundreds of places unfilled.
The capital is facing a drop in demand for school places, with a declining birth rate the main reason, according to London Councils.
Across Harrow, 45 state-run schools are under capacity, some by more than others, due to a combination of factors including lack of affordable housing.
Local authorities have cited a lack of affordable family housing, Brexit and the cost of living as contributing factors to the drop in school demand.
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