School Admissions: Councils Adjust Catchment Areas and Intake Numbers
Local authorities across England are modifying published admission numbers (PANs) and catchment boundaries at secondary schools ahead of September 2026, responding to falling pupil rolls in some areas.
Councils have agreed to change school admission arrangements in Brighton & Hove from September 2026. In response to falling pupil numbers in Brighton & Hove – and forecasts that suggest they will continue to fall – they will be amending the published admission numbers (PANs) at three secondary schools from September 2026. They will be changing the PANs at Longhill High School from 270 to 210, at Blatchington Mill School from 330 to 300, and at Dorothy Stringer School from 330 to 300. The catchment area boundaries for Longhill High and Dorothy Stringer and Varndean schools will be amended.
School budgets are determined by pupil numbers, with empty places impacting the resources, teaching and support available to pupils. Reducing PANs will help protect the long-term future of the city's education system. Similar catchment and admission number changes are being made by councils across England, including in Coventry, Ealing, and other areas, following local consultations with parents and school governors.
What This Means for Families Relocating to the UK
In-year admissions allow parents to apply for a school place at any point during the school year — when they are moving to a new area, when circumstances change, or when they wish to transfer their child from one school to another. If you are moving house and need to change your child's school, you can begin the in-year process as soon as you have a firm address for your new home.
If you are a newcomer family planning to move to a UK area, contact your local authority's admissions team early to understand the current catchment boundaries and availability before house-hunting. School catchment areas can significantly affect property values and commute times.
Sources
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