Rufford Park Primary School and Nursery

Dear parents, carers, staff, stakeholders, councillors and members of the community,

I am writing to seek your views on a proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Rufford Park Primary School from 45 to 30 per year, effective from September 2027.  This consultation is being conducted in accordance with the School Admissions Code 2021 and reflects our commitment to transparency and community engagement.

 Current Position and Proposed Change

• Current PAN: 45 pupils per year group
• Proposed PAN: 30 pupils per year group from September 2027
• Other Admissions Criteria: no other changes are proposed

 Impact

This change will apply to new Reception intakes from September 2027 onwards.  Pupils already on roll or who have applied for a school place for September 2026 will not be affected.

Rationale for the Change

Recent demographic data from Leeds City Council and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a decline in local birth rates, resulting in fewer children requiring primary school places in our area.  Rufford Park Primary School has close to 30% surplus places in the current Reception cohort and with the continued low birth rates forecast, this will create challenges for financial planning and resource allocation.

 By reducing our PAN to 30 we aim to:

• Align our intake with local demand and ensure efficient use of resources
• Maintain high educational standards and a stable, nurturing environment
• Secure the long-term sustainability of the school

This proposal has been developed in collaboration with Leeds City Council, drawing on their expertise and local place planning data.

Consultation Process

• Consultation period: 12 December 2025 – 30 January 2026 (7 weeks)
• Who can respond: Parents, carers, staff, local schools, the local authority, local councillors and all members of the community

How to Respond

We welcome your views on this proposal.  Please send any comments or questions by email: admissions_consultations@ruffordparkprimary.org.uk

All responses must be received by 30 January 2026.  After the consultation closes, all feedback will be considered by the governing board before a final decision is made.  Determined arrangements will be shared with you and the local authority by 28 February 2026 and published on our website by 15 March 2026.  

Thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to share your views. 

Yours sincerely

David Cooke

Headteacher