Two York primary schools will not see their anticipated number of new pupils reduced, the council has said after they were wrongly included in proposals to cut them.
Published Admission Numbers (PANs) will not be reduced at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs RC Primary School and St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School from September 2026, York Council has confirmed.
Council education lead Maxine Squire said officials had been in touch with Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust and had apologised for any confusion caused.
A trust spokesperson said the incorrect suggestion that the schools wanted to reduce pupil numbers was inconsistent with demand for places and the vital role they play in their communities.
It comes after both schools were included in a council report about proposals to reduce PANs at York schools from September 2026.
The report stated the plans came amid a forecast drop in birth rates in the parts of York served by the schools and falling demand for places.
It added the proposals would help under-subscribed schools organise class sizes and resources more efficiently amid financial pressure.
Proposals to reduce expected admission numbers at five council-maintained primary schools and two run by academy trusts are set for a decision on Tuesday, January 14.
The council’s assistant director of education Ms Squire said she could confirm the changes would not affect Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St Wilfrid’s which were included due to an unfortunate error.
The council official said: “The Published Admission Number for both schools will not change for 2026 admissions.
“We have been in contact with the trust and apologised for any confusion this may have caused.”
Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust’s spokesperson said its robust financial planning and modelling ensured their schools remained viable and sustainable and continued to deliver the highest educational standards.
They added misinformation was harmful and eroded the trust and co-operation needed to achieve shared goals for education.
The trust’s spokesperson said: “St Wilfrid’s and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, along with all NPCAT schools, are proud of their strong track records of providing high-quality education rooted in Catholic and Christian values.
“Our schools are thriving communities that prepare pupils not only academically but also spiritually, morally and socially.”