School pupil numbers in Crowborough and Rotherfield are falling and there is no need for any extra new school places, according to the county council.
The council’s findings, which are contained in its annual School Organisation Plan, come despite recent housebuilding and an estimated extra 800 new homes by 2039.
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has to publish its School Organisation Plan every year containing an assessment of pupil numbers, birth rates, new building that might put pressure on schools, and projected pupil numbers.
It is a rolling plan and this year covers the period 2025 to 2029. Its aim is to ensure there are sufficient primary, secondary and special school places in the right locations to meet demand in accordance with its statutory duty.
In Crowborough and Rotherfield, ESCC says, there are six primary schools and one secondary school. NHS and GP data shows that the number of births to families living in the area has remained consistent but has fallen from 232 in 2012 to 190 in 2023.
Its analysis of all the data shows the number of school places needed for school starters (reception class) across the area is likely to fall well below the number available. With a total of 240 reception class spaces available across Crowborough’s primary schools, there was only 186 needed in 2024.
Despite new housing, ESCC says the falling birth rate is expected to mean that by 2028 there will be 12 per cent more school places available than needed. It was seven per cent in 2017.
As far as secondary places are concerned, Beacon Academy has become a popular school and has seen its PAN (Published Admission Number) 240, exceeded each year since 2018. However, ESCC says looking at the birth and GP data suggests the number of admissions peaked in 2024. And the school still has 20 per cent capacity.