Announcements

As our own admissions authority, we are required under the School Admissions Code 2021 to review our admissions policies annually and to consult on our arrangements from time to time. The code requires consultation in the following circumstances:  1. When changes are proposed to admission arrangements, all admission authorities must consult on their admission arrangements (including any supplementary information form) that will apply for admission applications the following school year. 2. Where the admission arrangements have not changed from the previous year there is no requirement to consult, subject to the requirement that admission authorities must consult on their admission arrangements at least once every 7 years, even if there have been no changes during that period. There have been four changes to the Admissions Policy for 2027-28: Dog Kennel Hill Primary School has been re-named Grove Primary School The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Worsley Bridge Primary School has been reduced from 90 to 60 The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Goose Green Primary School has been reduced from 60 to 30 The Published Admission Number (PAN) for Grove Primary School has been reduced from 60 to 30 Further details can be found in the policy: NEST-Admissions-Policy-2027-2028-for-consultation.pdfThe consultation will be open from 24 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.  The Trust will meet at the close of the consultation period and consider any comments, followed by an application to reduce PAN, if appropriate and an updated policy adopted by all school in Spring 2026. PAN Reduction Consultation at Goose Green Primary School and Grove Primary School (Southwark) Consultation information Goose Green Primary and Grove Primary Schools are situated in the East Dulwich area in the Local Borough of Southwark. Southwark Local Authority has seen a birth rate drop of 37% since 2011, with nearly 1950 fewer reception children each year. This significant decline in pupil numbers has an impact in school’s organisation and their budgets.   Local authority (LA) Region Percentage change in pupil numbers in primary schools from 2021 to 25 Number of primary schools in 2020/21 Number of primary Schools in 2024/25 Southwark Inner London -12.4% 74 68 (-6) (Information Education Policy Institute 2025) In the next five years The decline in births seen over the last five years is not predicted to return to the former levels for the foreseeable future.  For primary schools, the decrease in pupil numbers over the next five years is projected to be more pronounced in London compared to the rest of the country, with predicted declines across almost all London local authorities. Islington, Lambeth, and Southwark are expected to experience the largest declines, ranging from 14 to 20 per cent By 2028/29, the numbers of primary school pupils in Islington and Lambeth are projected to have fallen by around 30 per cent compared to a decade earlier. Southwark and their partner schools have been working together in the management of pupil places. Nexus Education Schools Trust and its schools are committed to supporting the   Local Authorities manage and implement the planning of pupil placement, whilst retaining education provision for our communities. At Grove Primary School, creativity is at the centre of teaching and learning, enabling and inspiring all children to learn and contribute. There is a strong inclusive ethos throughout the school with, partnership centric to supporting learning throughout the school. OFSTED 2022 stated Pupils enjoy coming to this school. When asked what it is they enjoy, they are united in saying that it is because they love learning. - ’Adults have high expectations of every pupil in this school’ – ‘Pupils constantly spoke about the kindness they receive from adults and other pupils’ Grove primary is a caring community with high aspirations, where everyone is welcomed and are proud of their community. In line with reducing pupil numbers in the local area, Grove Primary has reduced its staffing structure and operations to meet the needs of its pupil intake moving informally to a one form of entry in September 2024.  The formal change and reduction in PAN from admitting 60 pupils to 30 pupils into Reception in 2027. This will enable the school to operate at its current size and continue to provide high quality academic, staffing and excellence for families as a one form of entry primary school. Goose Green Primary School is a vibrant and diverse community. The talent committed staff team inspire pupils t be curious, knowledgeable and caring learners.  OFSTED stated, ‘The school’s high expectations are realised as pupils achieve well across the curriculum.’ In line with reducing pupils in the local authority Goose Green has been working towards becoming a one form entry. Fluctuations in pupil numbers have impacted on the staffing structure and development plans for the school. A formal reduction in PAN will enable the school to operate efficiently without requiring reorganisation of classes, enabling the school to focus on the academic excellence, breadth of the curriculum and provision of upgraded facilities. Proposal The proposal is to reduce PAN from admitting 60 pupils per year to 30 pupils per at both schools from 2027 (Reception intake). This would reduce the overall capacity over time, from 420 pupils to 210 pupils. Present pupil and families would not be affected. Main benefits Staffing changes minimised with a clear focus on the excellence of provision. Minimise class organisation changes for families Retain family centre small school, child centre ethos. Consultation Process The consultation will be sent to families, schools, Local Authorities, and the Department of Education. The consultation runs from 24 November until 4 January 2026. Please send any comments to consultation@nestschools.org Following the consultation period and analysis of the responses; representation to DfE is required, for a formal determination of admission. Letter to Goose Green Community on PAN ConsultationLetter to Grove Primary Community on PAN Consultation End of PAN Reduction Consultation for Worsley Bridge Primary School (Bromley) Consultation background Information The Trust consulted to reduce PAN from 90 pupils to 60 per year at Worsley Bridge Primary School. Reducing capacity from 630 pupils (three-form entry) 420 pupils (two forms of entry) from 2027. Worsley Bridge is registered as a three-form entry school, the Trust has successfully run the school as a two-form entry primary school since 2014, providing high-quality teaching and learning. This change simply reflects how the school is already working. Will anything else change? No. There will be: No change to our dedicated staff No reduction in facilities or resources No impact on the excellent education and care we provide Since reorganisation and academisation we have not required a third form of entry, and the removal will have no impact on choice within the community or effect our staffing or resources. Instead, the reduction will help the LA mange the surplus pupil places within the locality.  Analysis of the consultation The Consultation ran from the 14 July 2025 to 12 September 2025. There were no comments arising from stakeholders. Governance supports the reduction in PAN Bromley Local Authority supports the reduction in PAN which aids future place planning in the locality. A formal request to reduce PAN from 90 to 60 pupil intake from September 2027 will be submitted to DfE. The outcome will be reflected on the published admission policy determined in Spring 2026 for admission in 2027/28.