Croydon residents have been invited to share their views on the council’s proposed changes to the borough’s school admissions policy, which could lower the number of placements at Croydon schools.

The purpose of the admissions policy is to make sure that school places are allocated and offered openly and fairly.

It also publishes the admission numbers for schools.

The School Admission Code 2021 requires schools to review their admission policies at least every seven years and consult on any changes.

Croydon Council has reviewed its policies and is proposing some updates, including reducing the number of places available at two community schools starting in September 2026.

Beulah Junior School in Thornton Heath is proposing a reduction in places from 90 to 60.

Winterbourne Infants School, also in Thornton Heath, is proposing reducing the number of places from 150 to 120.

The proposed changes are due to a surplus of school places across the borough, caused by a lower birth rate.

Other suggested changes align with feedback from residents and involve adding more information to definitions to help applicants better understand the criteria.

The consultation is open and runs until December 13.

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said: “As part of our review of Croydon’s school admissions policy we have listened to the feedback received and have suggested changes to make the policy easier to understand for those going through the school admissions process.

“The proposal to reduce intake numbers for Beulah Junior and Winterbourne Infants schools follows the lower number of applications the schools have seen since our last policy review.

“Before we decide on the changes, I encourage any residents who feel they may be impacted to take part in the consultation.”

Residents can have their say on the Croydon Council Get Involved website.