Brunswick and Coldean primary schools face 60 fewer Reception places from 2028

Coldean Primary School. Photo: Hassocks5489 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Brighton and Hove City Council is proposing to cut the number of Reception places at two primary schools from September 2028. Brunswick Primary School would go from 90 places to 60, and Coldean Primary School from 60 to 30, a total of 60 fewer places a year.

The proposals are in the council's School Admission Arrangements 2028-29 report, which went to Cabinet on 12 November 2026. They are not final decisions. A public consultation is due to run from 23 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.

What is proposed

• Brunswick Primary School: Reception intake (Published Admission Number) down from 90 to 60 from September 2028.
• Coldean Primary School: Reception intake down from 60 to 30 from September 2028.

Key dates

• 23 November 2026: consultation opens.
• 10 January 2027: consultation closes.
• 11 February 2027: further report to Cabinet.
• 28 February 2027: deadline for the final admission arrangements to be determined.

Why

The council's report links the changes to demand for primary school places in the city. Parents and carers, schools and other interested people will be able to respond during the consultation.

What it means for parents

Nothing changes for children starting school in the coming years. The proposals apply to Reception intakes from September 2028, and only if they are confirmed after the consultation.

Sources: Brighton and Hove City Council Cabinet report, School Admission Arrangements 2028-29; Cabinet agenda and documents, 12 November 2026.