Extra 500,000 pupils to pile on school pressure

New Government data reveals that pupil numbers in state nursery and primary schools are projected to increase by nine per cent by 2015, and are likely to reach levels last seen in the late 1970s by 2017.

The numbers of five and six-year-old pupils are expected to rise by 10 per cent in the next four years, the figures show.

The projections will put more pressure on primary school places, which are already facing a crisis. Many areas, particularly in cities, are facing a squeeze on places fuelled by rising birth rates.

The figures, published by the Department for Education (DfE), show there will be 4.53 million children attending nurseries and primaries in 2018, up from 4.03 million in 2011 – an extra 506,000 youngsters.

The statistics show that all regions in England are expected to see an increase in primary pupils by 2015, but some will be affected more than others. In London the increase is expected to be 15 per cent.

The numbers of state secondary school pupils aged up to and including 15 are expected to be five per cent lower by 2015.

A DfE spokesman said: “We know that many schools across the country face real concerns about how to provide every child with a school place when in some areas, school places far outweigh rising demand.”