Headteacher welcomes planned expansion

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A HEADTEACHER in Worcester has welcomed proposals which could see his school eventually double in size to meet the growing demand for reception places in the east of the city.

Spencer Morris, from Red Hill CE Primary School, was among several headteachers to be presented with expansion plans as Worcestershire County Council look to add more than 100 places in the city.

Red Hill and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School could increase their annual intake from 30 to 60, while Cranham and Stanley Road primary schools could add another 30 and 15 places respectively.

Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School, which is being converted to an academy supported by the Griffin Schools Trust, could accommodate an extra 30 pupils.

A consultation on the proposals runs until January 11 and if they are approved at the council's cabinet meeting in March the changes are expected to be in place by 2014.

Red Hill currently has eight permanent and two temporary classrooms but the council is proposing six new classes be built to help the school accommodate an increase in pupil admissions.

Mr Morris said an improvement in the school's performance meant it was now in a better position to cope with an increase than in 2011 when they were first tabled.

"Obviously there will be disruption if further building goes ahead but if this is what the consultation finds is needed, this will need to be managed and the growth could also bring advantages to Red Hill," he said.

"An increase in Published Admission Numbers (PAN) will mean that all parents who choose us as their first choice school who live in the catchment are far more likely to get a place."

Alison Cartwright, service manager at the county council, insisted it would work with the local community to make sure it put forward the best recommendation to councillors ahead of the cabinet meeting.

To view the plans and to leave comments visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schoolconsultations

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