The Omnia Learning Trust has consulted on admission arrangements for Twickenham Primary Academy 2026/2027.

On behalf of the Trustees of the Omnia Learning Trust, the Trustees of Twickenham Primary Academy consulted on a possible reduction in the planned admission number from 60 pupils in Reception to 30 pupils in Reception.

This is due to falling predicted birthrates in the local area. This means there are more places in Reception than there are children to fill them. Some local schools have also reduced their planned admission number for the same reason. 

This is intended to be a temporary measure. When the birth rate increases, the Trustees plan to re-instate the original number of places. 

In line with the requirements of the Admissions Code 2021, this consultation seeks to engage with parents and carers of children already at the school, as well as future parents of the school, the staff, other local admissions authorities, and other interested parties.

The consultation ran from the 9th December 2024 to the 27th January 2025. 

Outcome of Consultation March 2025

Thank you to all those who contributed to our consultation process, we are very grateful for your support and commitment to the school. 

Comments were largely based around 3 themes:

1. Parents and children appreciate the benefits of small class sizes

2. Parents and children appreciate the benefits of having two classes in a year group

3. Prospective parents are concerned a reduction in PAN may mean their child would not be offered a place.

As Trustees, this is an enormously difficult decision because we agree with all three points above and are fully committed to providing a two-form entry primary school. However, it must be very clearly stated that TPA is funded on a per pupil basis and the low birthrates in this area have already impacted the school, it is our responsibility to prevent significant future impact on the school. Therefore, we feel obliged to reduce the PAN to 30 for a period of one to two years until birthrates have been predicted to rise again. 

We keep a very close eye on birthrates and application numbers and will act swiftly to increase the PAN to 60 as soon as we can. We commit to:

·      Reviewing the PAN in 25/26 with a view to increase to 60 in 27/28

·      Opening additional classes in-year if demand increases

·      Utilising our staff for the benefit of children in one form entry year groups

·      Not reducing to one-form entry in current year groups on roll

·      Two-form entry in Reception until 26/27 academic year

Please note, this change will take place for children applying for a place in Reception in 26/27. All those currently on roll and who applied for a place in Reception 25/26 will not be affected by the reduction.