Consultation on a Proposal to Reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN)

Consultation Period: 2^nd November 2026 to 11^th December 2026

Admissions Authority: The Pioneer Academy

Introduction

Heavers Farm Primary School is part of London Borough of Croydon, which is the admission authority for the school.

The school is consulting on a proposal to reduce the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) from 120 to 30 with effect from admissions for September 2028.

The PAN is the number of pupils that can be admitted into the school’s entry year group each year.

No current pupils attending the school would be affected by this proposal.

The consultation is being undertaken in accordance with the School Admissions Code, which requires admission authorities to consult on proposed changes to admission arrangements.

The Proposal

The school proposes to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 120 to 30 for pupils joining Year R from September 2028.  This means that the maximum number of places available for admission into the school’s normal year of entry would reduce from 120 to 30.

Reasons for the Proposal

The school has undertaken a review of pupil numbers, demographic trends and projected demand for school places within the local area.

The proposal is based on the following factors:

Falling Demand for Places

Over recent years the school has experienced a decline in applications and admissions, resulting in a significant number of unfilled places.

The school has consistently operated below its current PAN, demonstrating that the existing admission number exceeds local demand.

Demographic Changes

Local authority pupil place planning data indicates that the number of primary-age children within the school’s catchment and surrounding communities is declining, a trend reflected nationally and locally.

Efficient Use of Resources

Reducing the PAN would enable the school to:

• Align capacity with projected demand.
• Maintain financially sustainable class structures.
• Make effective use of staffing and accommodation.
• Protect the quality of education and pupil experience.

Continued Sufficiency of School Places

The school has considered local authority pupil place planning information and believes that sufficient school places will remain available within the local area for all children requiring a place.

The proposed reduction is not expected to have a detrimental impact on parental choice or access to education.

Impact Assessment

The school has considered the likely impact of the proposal.

Pupils Currently Attending the Academy

There would be no impact on pupils already attending the school.

Future Applicants

Parents would continue to have the opportunity to apply for places at the school through the normal admissions process.

Educational Standards

The school believes the proposal would support the school’s ability to maintain high educational standards through appropriately sized cohorts and efficient deployment of resources.

Community Impact

The proposal is not expected to reduce access to education within the local area because sufficient alternative places are projected to remain available.

Equality Considerations

In developing this proposal, the school has given due regard to its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.

The proposal applies equally to all applicants and does not alter the school’s oversubscription criteria or admissions arrangements, other than the proposed reduction in PAN.

The school welcomes feedback on any equality implications stakeholders believe should be considered.

Stakeholders Being Consulted

The consultation is open to:

• Parents and carers.
• School staff.
• Local residents.
• Local authority representatives.
• Other admission authorities.
• Local schools and academies.
• Any other interested parties.

How to Respond

We welcome comments, observations and feedback on the proposal.

Responses should be submitted by 11^th December 2026 using one of the following methods:

Online

Proposed Reduction of the Published Admission Number at Heavers Farm Primary School – Fill in form

Email

office@heaversfarm.croydon.sch.uk

Post

Heavers Farm Primary School, Heavers Farm, Croydon, CR0 2HN

Please include:

• Your name (optional)
• Organisation (if applicable)
• Your response to the proposal
• Any additional comments or evidence you wish the Trust to consider

What Happens Next?

Following the consultation period:

1. All responses will be reviewed by the school Governing Board.
2. The school will consider the educational, financial and community implications of the proposal.
3. A final decision will be made regarding the PAN for September 2028.
4. The outcome will be published on the school’s website and communicated to stakeholders.