STATUTORY CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

For the Academic Year 2027-2028

 

Introduction

The Governing Body of Send CofE Primary is consulting on proposed changes to our admissions arrangements. Our primary goal is to ensure the school remains financially sustainable, educationally robust, and accessible to our whole community in light of changing local demographics.

We are inviting comments from parents, the local community, the Local Authority, and other interested stakeholders.

 

Proposal 1 - Updating the Catchment Map

We propose changing the definition of our catchment area from a specific List of Named Roads to the Map of the Ecclesiastical (Church) Parish of Send as supplied by the Diocese of Guildford.

The Rationale

• Inclusivity & Accuracy: New housing developments in our local area created new roads that are very close to the school but were not named when our previous policy was written. Under the old ‘list’ system, families on these new roads technically fall outside our priority criteria despite living on our doorstep.

• Future-Proofing: By moving to a map-based boundary, any future developments within the Parish are automatically included without requiring an annual update to a list of street names.

Ecclesiastical Parish of Send Map

If you would like a larger copy of the parish map, please contact the school office, who will be happy to help you.

 

Proposal 2 - Reduction in Published Admission Number (PAN)

We propose reducing our Published Admission Number (PAN) from 60 to 45. This is a proactive, strategic decision. The UK is experiencing a significant national trend of falling birth rates , leading to a noticeable oversupply of school places in the local area.

The Rationale

• Matching Demand: Over the last two years, our actual admissions have stabilised between 40 and 45 pupils.

• Demographic Forecasts: Place planning forecasts provided by Surrey County Council indicate that the number of children requiring school places in our immediate area is not expected to increase for a minimum of 5 to 7 years. Please note: These forecasts already include the projected yield of children from recent and agreed housing developments in the area.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is the school proposing changes now?

A: We are proactively responding to major demographic shifts, including a national trend of falling birth rates and a subsequent oversupply of school places locally. Our goal is to ensure the school remains financially sustainable and educationally robust. Recent data shows that our admission numbers have stabilised between 40 and 45 pupils per year. By ‘right-sizing’ our intake to match this reality, we can protect our budget and ensure we have full, well-resourced classes rather than half-empty ones.

Q: Is the school shrinking because of a lack of funding?

A: No, this is a strategic decision to protect funding. Schools receive money on a ‘per pupil’ basis, but our overheads (heating, maintenance, salaries) remain the same. Running four classes that are only half-full is financially draining. By running three full classes instead, we maximise our budget efficiency. This allows us to afford better classroom resources and essential support staff (Teaching Assistants), which directly benefits the children.

Q: Why reduce the PAN to 45? Why not go down to 30 (one class per year)?

A: The Governing Body carefully considered reducing the PAN to 30, before rejecting this option.

• We have consistently had 40–45 local children apply for places.

• A PAN of 30 would force us to turn away 10–15 local children every year.

• Rejecting local families would conflict with our vision that "Everyone is Welcome Here." We are not prepared to displace local families or separate siblings just to fit a neat administrative number. A PAN of 45 allows us to welcome every local child who wants a place.

Q: What will the new class structure look like?

A: With an intake of 45, we will maintain two small classes for Reception (approx. 22 pupils each) to ensure a nurturing start. As children move up the school, we will transition to vertical (mixed-age) grouping (e.g., Year 1/2, Year 3/4, Year 5/6).

Q: I am worried about mixed-age classes. Will my child be held back or left behind?

A: This is a common concern, but in reality, every class contains a spread of abilities.

• Stage, Not Age: Our teachers are experts at adapting the curriculum to the child’s needs, not just their age label. A ‘more able’ Year 3 child in a mixed class can be stretched with Year 4 concepts, while a Year 4 child needing consolidation can revisit foundations without stigma.

• Flexible Grouping: This structure allows us to group across classes based on specific learning needs. We already do this successfully for Read Write Inc. Phonics in Years 1–3 and for Maths/Literacy in Year 6. The new structure simply makes this needs-based teaching easier to facilitate.

Q: Will Year 6 children be ready for Secondary School in a mixed class?

A: Absolutely. Mixed Y5/6 classes often produce incredibly independent learners. Year 6 pupils naturally take on leadership roles,within the class and across the school, which boosts their confidence and maturity.

We will continue to ring-fence specific time for Year 6 SAT preparation and secondary transition work, ensuring they leave us fully prepared.

Q: How do you decide which children are grouped together? Will friends be separated?

A: We do not split classes alphabetically or randomly. Staff use professional judgment to look at the "whole child." We consider academic needs, social maturity, and friendship groups to ensure that every child is placed in a class dynamic where they will be happy and thrive.

Q: My child is already at Send CofE. Will their class change next September?

A: For the vast majority of current pupils, no. The reduction to 45 applies to the incoming Reception intake. The intention is that the structural changes will "roll up" the school gradually year by year.

Q: What does this mean for siblings?

A: Our admissions criteria continue to prioritise siblings. Because we rejected the drop to a PAN of 30, we have retained enough capacity (45 places) to ensure that siblings and catchment children are not squeezed out.

 

How to Respond

We welcome your feedback. The consultation period runs from Monday 15th December 2025 to Monday 26th January 2026.

Please send your comments to:

• Email: admissions@sendcofe.co.uk 

• Post: Admissions Secretary, Send CofE Primary School, Send Barns Lane, Send, GU23 7BS

The Governing Body will consider all responses before determining the final admission arrangements.