Primary school places to be reduced

Admissions at a Hertford primary school are to be reduced from 2026.

A reduction in the number of places at Wheatcroft Primary School will see reception taking in a minimum number of 30 children from 2026/27, down from 45, following a recent drop in the number of applications and allocations.

The Governing Body and Headteacher of the school are reported to be in the process of considering the change, which will assist the school both organisationally and financially. The pupil forecast indicates lower demand for Reception places in Hertford in future years. 

Every year, the County Council reviews admission numbers for all community and voluntary schools in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire experienced a significant rise in the demand for school places between 2008 and 2018. Since 2010, approximately 17,000 net additional primary school places have been created in Hertfordshire. Further new places are planned for delivery, particularly linked to growth relating to new homes and communities

Primary pupil numbers in the county peaked around 2018 and have since fallen, with much smaller numbers now entering reception. While there is less certainty beyond those children already born, longer-term projections suggest this trend will continue.