PAN Consultation

Consultation Statement: Proposed Reduction of Published Admission Number

Diss High School is proposing to reduce its Published Admission Number (PAN) from 150 to 120 for Year 7 entry, starting in September 2026. This change is being considered to ensure our admissions arrangements remain aligned with realistic local demand, support sustainable curriculum planning, and help secure the school’s long-term financial viability.

Why are we proposing this change?

  • Medium to long-term demographic projections for Diss and its catchment show a gradual decline in the number of secondary-age children, driven by lower birth rates and limited new family housing developments.

  • Recent admissions data reflects this trend, with the number of first-choice applications declining year on year for demographic reasons.  Falling pupil rolls in local primary schools in recent years is now projected to feed through into Diss High over the next few years. 

  • A PAN of 120 would allow us to timetable Year 7 and Year 8 with four forms of entry, supporting efficient class sizes and curriculum breadth while protecting staffing levels and avoiding further disruptive restructuring.

  • We will retain the right to admit students over our PAN on an ad hoc basis or to increase the PAN if circumstances change.

Financial and Educational Benefits

  • Reducing the PAN will help us to gradually reduce staffing costs, moving towards the Department for Education’s recommended benchmark of 80% staff costs as a proportion of income.

  • This change is a core part of our economic recovery plan, helping us return to financial balance without the need for emergency restructuring in future years.

  • Our aim is to maintain high-quality education and appropriate class sizes for all students, while safeguarding the school’s long-term financial sustainability.

Consultation Details

  • The consultation period will run from 10 December 2024 to 31 January 2025 (including over the Christmas holidays)

  • We are seeking views from parents, the local community, the Local Authority, and other interested parties.

  • All responses will be summarised and presented to the school’s governors and the Enrich Learning Trust for consideration.

How to Respond

You can share your views by emailing us at office@disshigh.co.uk or writing to us at PAN consultation, Diss High School, Walcot Road, Diss IP22 4DH. We welcome your feedback and will consider all responses carefully before making a final decision.

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