London Risks Becoming ‘Childless City’ as Families Pushed Out
7th October 2025
London risks becoming a “childless city”, school leaders warn, as pupil numbers plunge and families leave the capital amid soaring costs, Brexit and falling birth rates.
Family homes are being replaced by new-build apartments while parents determined to stay in London and other cities say they are “clinging on” because of careers, convenience and culture.
Dave Woods, head of a primary school in west London, said the issue dominates conversations among head teachers in the capital, adding: “It’s a phrase that is talked about in meetings … about London becoming a childless city.”