Commenting on a new NFER blog 'Pupil numbers and school finances', Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “As this data shows, falling primary numbers means some schools are struggling with insufficient funding, and we are seeing schools closing.

“Pupil numbers vary hugely across different regions and sectors, with some primaries struggling with lack of numbers while others – in areas of intense house building, for example – are over-subscribed. There is huge pressure on special school places, with mainstream schools supporting significant numbers of pupils with SEND who have been given a special school place but for whom there is no place available.

“Rather than reducing funding or closing schools, we would urge the government to continue to invest and support local authorities to maintain staffing and resources. This could build capacity for greater SEND inclusion, and enable schools to offer smaller classes and more targeted help, as well as giving an opportunity to reduce problematic levels of workload for school staff.”