Reception classes in the Wokingham Borough could have the number of places significantly reduced to tackle a rising surplus of vacant spaces.
Wokingham Borough Council has opened a consultation on changes proposed at eight primary and infant schools across the borough, which would be in place for the 2026/27 school year.
The authority says there are ‘currently significantly more primary school places in Wokingham borough than area needed’ due to a decline in the birth rate, which is sharper in the borough compared to the national average.
Wokingham Borough Council said: “These changes have a major impact on school operations, as funding received is per child, not per class.
“The reduction in school places demand has affected some schools’ ability to manage class sizes and effective pupil-to-teacher ratios.”
Schools included in the proposals are Radstock Primary, Robert Piggot, Colleton Primary, Gorse Ride Infant, Gorse Ride Junior, Winnersh Primary, Walter Infant and Bearwood Primary.
A range of reductions are being proposed, with suggestions that some schools cut their reception classes in half. A full list of potential changes are below:
Radstock Primary School
Current: 45
Proposed: 30
Robert Piggott CofE Infant School
Current: 45
Proposed: 30
The Colleton Primary School
Current: 45
Proposed: 30
Gorse Ride Infant School
Current: 30
Proposed: 30
Gorse Ride Junior School
Current: 64
Proposed: 32
Bearwood Primary School
Current: 45
Proposed: 30
Winnersh Primary School
Current: 60
Proposed: 30
Walter Infant School
Current: 90
Proposed: 60
The authority is inviting parents to share their thoughts by December 30, and a final decision will be made by February 28, 2025.
