800 schools in England could close by 2029 due to low birth rates

According to a study by a think tank, the main reason for the "emptiness" of English schools is the falling birth rate. Other factors cited by experts include urban outflow, emigration, and the shift of children to private schools. Minor factors also include migration following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The institute's researchers note that the birth rate in England has been declining since 2020. While the number of primary school students in 2018-2019 was approximately 4.5 million, analysts predict that by 2029, this number will decline to 4.24 million.

According to the study, many schools have already faced funding cuts, which are directly related to student enrollment. "Schools with declining student enrollments are experiencing increasing financial difficulties, which could ultimately threaten their long-term viability," notes John Andrews, an EPI analyst.

London has been hit harder than other regions of the country. Nine out of ten schools experiencing significant declines in student numbers are located in the capital. Analyzing rolls of students in London schools who entered preparatory classes in 2017-2018, EPI experts found that by the sixth year, more than 20 percent had dropped out.