Public Consultation

Public Consultation:

Proposal to change the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Francis Baily Primary School

Consultation Period: 6 November 2025 to 31 December 2025.

1. Introduction

Francis Baily Primary School is committed to providing high-quality education and responding to the needs of our local community. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the school remains sustainable and continues to thrive, we are proposing a change to our Published Admission Number (PAN).

This consultation document outlines the proposal and seeks the views of parents and carers, local schools, the local authority and other stakeholders.

2. Background

The Published Admission Number (PAN) is the number of pupils a school admits into Reception each year. Currently, the PAN for Francis Baily Primary School is 81.

Following a review of pupil numbers, local demographic trends and future projections, Equinox Learning Trust (of which Francis Baily Primary School is part of), Francis Baily’s Local Governing Body and the school’s Headteacher are proposing to amend the PAN from 81 to 60, effective from the September 2027 intake, in line with the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code (2021).

3. Rationale for the Proposal

There are several key reasons for this proposed change:

• Demographic Trends: Local birth rates have declined, resulting in fewer children requiring primary school places. A PAN of 60 aligns with projected demand in the area.
• Financial Sustainability: Reducing the PAN will help ensure the school remains financially viable, avoiding the risks seen in other schools that did not act proactively.
• Staffing Stability: A lower PAN allows leaders to plan staffing more effectively around secure pupil numbers, supporting long-term stability.
• Quality of Education: Smaller cohorts enable more focused teaching and better use of resources, enhancing the learning experience for all pupils.
• Community Benefit: A stable and well-resourced school benefits the entire community, ensuring continued success for pupils from Nursery through to secondary education.

4. Proposed Change

• Current PAN: 81
• Proposed PAN: 60
• Effective From: September 2027 Admissions (Reception intake).

5. Oversubscription Criteria

If Francis Baily Primary School receives more applications than the number of places available (the PAN), places will be allocated in the following order of priority:

1. Looked After Children and Previously Looked After Children

2. Children with an EHCP or Exceptional Medical Needs which name the school

3. Siblings of Current Pupils

4. Children Living Within the Designated Catchment Area

5. All Other Applicants (based on proximity to the school).

In the event of a tie within any category, priority will be given based on the distance from the child’s home to the school.

6. Who Are We Consulting?

We are seeking views from:

• Parents and carers of current and prospective pupils
• Local primary and secondary schools
• Francis Baily Primary School staff
• Local community groups
• West Berkshire Local Authority.
   

7. Consultation Period

The consultation will run for six weeks, from 6 November 2025 to 31 December 2025.
 

8. How to Respond

We welcome responses via:

• Online: Click here to access the Francis Baily Primary School - PAN reduction Form >>>
• Email: consultation@francisbaily.co.uk
• Post: FAO Admissions Consultation, Francis Baily Primary School, Skillman Driver, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4GG

All responses must be received by 31 December 2025.
 

9. Next Steps

Following the consultation, all responses will be considered by Equinox Learning Trust. A decision will then be made. If approved, the new PAN will be reflected in the school’s admissions policy for the relevant year and published on the school’s website.