Responding to new analysis by NFER (the National Foundation for Educational Research into falling rolls in primary schools, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“While this analysis suggests that the impact of falling rolls in primary schools may not be quite as bad as first feared, numbers are still expected to fall and this will put budgets - which are already often stretched after years of real-terms reductions in funding - under further pressure.

“Instead of racing to cut funding we would urge the government to instead use any savings made to improve overall levels of per-pupil funding. 

“This would free up more headroom to retain essential staff, run smaller classes and offer more  tailored support for pupils who need it most, including children with special educational needs.”