# a decline in student numbers

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/a-decline-in-student-numbers
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

a situation where fewer students are attending a school or university than before.

For teachers: a noun phrase describing a reduction in the quantity of enrolled learners within an educational institution or system.

## Examples

- The college is worried about a decline in student numbers.
- Due to the falling birth rate, local primary schools are seeing a decline in student numbers this year.
- The university administration implemented several new marketing strategies to counteract a sharp decline in student numbers following the recent increase in tuition fees.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a decline of student numbers" but "a decline in student numbers" — use 'in' to show the area or category that is decreasing; 'of' is usually used for the specific amount of the drop.

## Usage notes

- the preposition 'in' is essential to connect the decline to the specific group being measured.
- Teaching tip: use this to teach the collocation 'decline in' + [noun]; it is a common feature of academic and formal reporting regarding statistics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.