ADMISSION numbers at three south Dorset schools are expected to be lowered.

Dorset Council is asking for the pupil admission numbers at St Mary’s First School, Charminster to be reduced from 42 to 30 places; for Manor Park First School, Dorchester to be reduced from 90 to 60 places and for Holy Trinity Primary, Weymouth to be lowered from 90 to 60.

If approved the changes will come into effect from September 2021.

Members of the council’s People Scrutiny committee are being told next week (Tuesd 7th) that there were only two objections to the proposed changes raising concerns that it would limit choice and not allow local families to access their local school. Councillors are being recommended to approve the changes to numbers.

At the time of the consultation the council said the lower numbers were being proposed to reflect the reality of current admission levels, which in turn, helps the schools to better plan their budgets.

A report says that in the case of each of the schools there is an expectation that they would revert to their original pupil access numbers should local demand rise and where there would be insufficient places for local children.