Two Blackburn with Darwen primary schools are to reduce their admission numbers.
Borough education boss Cllr Julie Gunn has granted permission for the reduction in reception pupils.
The schools are St Michael with St John Church of England Primary in Victoria Street, Blackburn, and Holy Trinity Church of England Primary in Bank Top, Darwen.
Both schools are currently operating with significant surplus places.
There will be a reduction for the reception year at St Michael with St John CE Primary School by 15 places, from 45 places to 30 places commencing September 2027 and thereafter.
There will be a reduction for the reception year at Holy Trinity CE Primary School by 45 places, from 60 places to 15 places commencing September 2027 and thereafter.
Cllr Gunn’s report says: “Pupil forecasts for the next five years indicate a sustained decline in birth rates resulting in less demand for school places.
“Surplus capacity across the associated planning areas is as follows
“St Michael with St John – overall in the Blackburn East planning area 8.83 per cent of places in the primary phase of education are unoccupied.
Considering the reception year only, 22.39 per cent of places are unoccupied, a percentage that is forecasted to increase.
“Holy Trinity – in the Darwen planning area, 19.54 per cent of places in the primary phase of education are unoccupied. For the reception year, 23.44per cent of places are unoccupied places.
“Both schools are currently operating with significant surplus places, resulting in reduced per-pupil funding.
“Reducing the planned admission numbers will support more efficient class organisation, assisting both schools to maintain financial viability and educational standards.”
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