As part of our regular review of our admissions arrangements, the Governing Body of Hoylake Holy Trinity CE Primary school is consulting on a proposal to reduce the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN) for Reception from 45 to 30 pupils. This means that, if the proposal is approved, the maximum number of children admitted to Reception each year would be 30 rather than 45.

Rationale for the Proposal

In recent years, the number of children applying to join Hoylake Holy Trinity has steadily declined, reflecting changing local demographics and a lower birth rate nationally and in our local area. The school’s admissions data shows a consistent pattern of smaller year groups joining the school, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

A PAN of 30 would enable the school to organise classes more effectively in line with these trends. At present, the school’s PAN of 45 requires mixed-age classes or uneven year group structures. Reducing the PAN to 30 would allow the school to operate with single-age classes, which are more stable, consistent, and sustainable given projected pupil numbers.

The proposed new Admissions Policy is available here: 

Benefits of the Change

Reducing the PAN would bring several educational and organisational advantages:

• Consistency in Class Organisation: With a PAN of 30, classes can be arranged as one-form entry throughout the school, avoiding complex mixed-age groupings.
• Enhanced Learning Environment: Smaller, well-balanced classes allow teachers to provide more focused support and ensure high-quality provision for every child.
• Sustainable Staffing and Resources: Aligning class sizes with demand enables more efficient use of staff and resources, ensuring the school can continue to invest in teaching and learning.
• Future-Proofing the School: Adjusting the PAN in line with demographic trends ensures the school remains financially and educationally sustainable in the long term.
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Consultation Process

This proposal is now open for consultation. We invite parents, carers, staff, and members of the local community to share their views.

Consultation period: 17/11/25 – 16/01/26

How to respond: Comments can be submitted via an online form available here:

Or by email to schooloffice@hoylakeholytrinity.wirral.sch.uk or in writing to Hoylake Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Market Street, Hoylake, CH47 3BH.

Following the consultation, the Governing Body will consider all responses before making a final decision.