More school places amid building and baby booms

6 hours ago

Ian ShoesmithNorth West

Lancashire County Council has agreed to expand existing sites as well as press ahead with plans to build a new primary school

PA Media Children in a class room with hands raised, facing a teacher with a whiteboard in the background — Lancashire County Council has agreed to expand existing sites as well as press ahead with plans to build a new primary school

Plans to increase school capacity across Preston have been approved.

Lancashire County Council has agreed to expand existing sites, press ahead with plans to build a new primary school and find somewhere for an additional secondary school.

The move is said to be in response to new housing developments in the city, as well as high birth rates.

Funding has been provided for a primary school on the former Whittingham Hospital site, subject to planning approval. The school, which will also provide for children with special educational needs, will open with multiple year groups.

Until it is built, surplus places in other parts of Preston will be used from September to accommodate reception pupils from the area.

In other plans, Ashton Community Science College and Moor Park High School will expand, creating 30 additional places each year.

Fulwood Academy will also have potential for more students.

The proposed new Whittingham primary school lies on the site of a former hospital

Google A large fenced field with new red brick houses being built in the distance. The horizon is tree-lined on an overcast day. — The proposed new Whittingham primary school lies on the site of a former hospital

The council said the former Tulketh High School site and Maxy Lane Farm are still being considered as sites for a new secondary school.

The design and build process is expected to take at least three years.

Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "We are committed to making sure every child in Preston can access the best possible education close to home.

"These expansions will tackle the immediate pressures on school places while supporting high quality pre-existing schools and delivering value for money as places will be provided within existing accommodation, with some minor refurbishment and building work to ensure that requirements are met.

"Alongside this, we will continue due diligence on a new school to meet demand in the future, when sufficient need arises."

The investment will be funded through existing budgets, with potential contributions from housing developers and the Department for Education.

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