PAN Consultation

Christ the King RC Primary School – September 2027 Intake

Christ the King RC Primary School is consulting on a proposed reduction to the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Reception from 60 to 45 places, with effect from September 2027 (2027/28 academic year).

We welcome views from parents, carers and the wider community.

Why we are consulting

Every year, schools are required by law to review their admission arrangements, even where no changes are proposed. This ensures transparency and provides an opportunity for parents, carers and other stakeholders to comment.

While we are not proposing any changes to our admissions criteria, we are consulting on a proposed reduction to the number of Reception places at Christ the King RC Primary School from September 2027.

What is being proposed?

We are proposing to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) for Reception from:

60 places to 45 places

This change would apply to new Reception admissions from September 2027.

Children already on roll at the school would not be affected by this proposal.

Why we are proposing to reduce Reception places

Manchester City Council’s forecasts show that:

• There are fewer children starting primary school across the city, following a national trend

• Birth rates in Manchester have been falling since 2016

• Although there was a small rise in 2021 and 2022, numbers fell again in 2023 and remain low

• Fewer families are also moving into the city during the school year, for a variety of complex and inter-related reasons

As a result, forecasts indicate that in some areas, including our local area, there will be more school places than required over the next ten years, even when planned new housing is taken into account.

High vacancy levels can:

• Negatively impact school sustainability

• Reduce efficient use of staffing and resources

• Affect long-term financial planning

   

Reducing the number of Reception places helps schools to:

• Plan effectively for the future

• Use resources more efficiently

• Maintain high-quality education and provision for pupils

Our proposal is therefore in line with the Local Authority’s strategic planning and reflects:

• Local birth rate forecasts

• School census data

• Parental preference patterns

• Anticipated pupil numbers in our area

What would the reduction in PAN achieve?

Christ the King is reviewing its PAN to ensure that:

• Provision remains sustainable

• Class sizes remain appropriate

• The school can continue to deliver high-quality Catholic education within a secure and stable structure

Who is being consulted?

We are consulting with:

• Parents and carers

• Local primary and partner schools

• Stakeholders within the local community

• Manchester City Council (Local Authority) and neighbouring Local Authorities

• The Diocese of Salford

Consultation dates

The consultation will run from:

Open: Friday 9 January 2026
Close: Friday 20 February 2026

Following the consultation period:

• Governing Body consideration of responses: 23–26 February 2026

• Formal determination of arrangements: By 28 February 2026

• Publication of determined arrangements: By 15 March 2026

How to respond

You can submit your comments or feedback by email to:

panconsultation@christtheking.manchester.sch.uk

All responses will be carefully considered by the Governing Body before any final decision is made.

Documents

Please read the full consultation information before responding:

• Consultation Document

• Proposed Admission Arrangements for September 2027

Questions

If you have any questions about the consultation process, please contact the school via:

panconsultation@christtheking.manchester.sch.uk

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this consultation.