London could face a pupil place crisis
The report, published by London Councils, says that pupil numbers in London are likely to rise by 146,000 by 2020, but that current funding is not being provided to expand schools or set up new ones.
The report reads: “Without sufficient funding there is a very real risk in London of not being able to secure a school place for every child, particularly given the complex and costly secondary school place expansions needed.”
The report was published on the same day as Prime Minister David Cameron announced 18 new free schools and reaffirmed his commitment to creating 500 new free schools by 2020. However, London Councils claim that free schools are not always placed in the areas with the greatest need.
Councillor Peter John, leader of Southwark Council and executive member for children at London Councils, said: “At a time when budgets are under pressure across the board, boroughs cannot continue to subsidise the cost of school places in London.
“Time is running out for the government to fully support councils’ efforts to provide primary and secondary school places in the capital over the next five years.”
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