Councillors warned of an education “crisis” as falling pupil numbers push more schools towards deficit budgets.Warning of education ‘crisis’ as Central Bedfordshire faces 10,000 empty school placesAuthor: Emma SmithPublished 12 hours agoLast updated 12 hours agoCentral Bedfordshire is facing what councillors have described as an education “crisis”, with more than 8,000 school places currently sitting empty — a figure expected to rise above 10,000.A council meeting heard that at least 25 schools are forecast to be running at a financial deficit by 2026/27, with falling pupil numbers and surplus places putting growing pressure on budgets. Councillor Hayley Whitaker warned the situation was worsening year-on-year and called for urgent action from the council. She said: “We’re consistently in the lowest quartile for school performance and that shows no sign of improving.” The meeting also heard concerns over SEND reforms, falling attainment levels and the impact of future housing growth creating extra school capacity while pupil numbers decline. Council leaders acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying work was already under way with schools, academy trusts and families to tackle financial pressures and improve education outcomes. But councillor John Baker warned the number of spare places could eventually lead to “very difficult decisions” over potential school closures. The motion calling for action on the issue was backed unanimously by councillors.
Fears over school closures as Central Bedfordshire faces 10,000 empty places
