Plans to lower the number of admission places at four primary schools in Hertfordshire have been approved by Herts County Council's Education, SEND and Inclusion committee.

Proposals have been submitted to reduce the Published Admission Numbers (PAN) at Kimpton Primary School in Hitchin from 30 to 15 places in 2027/28; St Mary's Junior School in Baldock from 60 to 30 places; Leavesden Green Primary School in Watford from 60 to 30 places; and Little Green Junior School, Croxley Green from 90 to 60 places.

The suggested reductions are the result of "falling demand for school places" at the sites and will aim to make them viable. The plans have the approval of headteachers and governors except Leavesden Green Primary School, whose head and governing body are still considering the proposal.

Elsewhere, admissions at Widford and Hunsdon Primary Schools will increase by one, taking the number to nine at Widford and 16 at Hunsdon. The new combined figure of 25 will enable the schools to "best meet the expected level of demand" from the joint locality of Widford and Hunsdon.

A report prepared by Jayne Abery, the council's deputy head of admissions, explained that the county council is the admission authority for 227 primary, infant and first schools and one secondary school. It stated that current admissions arrangements largely work well, with 98% of children placed at a ranked primary school and 94% at secondary schools in 2025.

It went on: "The county council, as the admission authority, is responsible for setting the PAN for all community and voluntary-controlled schools, and it is necessary to consult on any proposed reductions.

"Hertfordshire experienced a significant rise in the demand for school places between the mid-to-late noughties. Since 2010, approximately 17,000 net additional primary school places have been created in Hertfordshire, to help ensure children can access a good, local school.

"However, at a county level, primary pupil numbers peaked around 2018 and have since fallen, with much smaller cohorts now entering reception. While there is less certainty beyond those children already born, longer-term projections suggest this trend will continue in coming years.

"As was the case with planning for increasing demand, the scale and impact of the decline in intake numbers varies in different areas, while some parts of the county are still seeing pressure on school places from families moving into Hertfordshire mid-year.

"This means that, whilst we continue to plan for growth relating to new homes in the medium term, it is important to manage capacity at existing schools in the shorter term to help support financial sustainability and maintain good educational standards."

Responding to the report, Cllr Chris Lloyd said: "You know, currently there is a drop in the number of children across Hertfordshire, hence this report. You'll be pleased to note chairman, that I'm happy to move the report."

Councillors unanimously approved the report's recommendations, which will be forwarded to the cabinet.