“This research identifies a significant risk to schools serving the most disadvantaged communities and requires urgent attention by the government. Falling pupil rolls means less funding and while schools will do everything they can to mitigate the impact on pupils the stark reality is that they will have fewer resources.

“These are exactly the schools which we particularly need to ensure are well-supported in their vital role of improving lives and we fully endorse the NFER’s recommendations. It is essential that these schools are not left to languish with mounting financial pressures caused by circumstances beyond their control.”