Pressure on school places could be alleviated by the expansion of six schools in East Sussex.
Plans to formally consult the public on the creation of 623 additional primary places across Eastbourne, Hastings and Ringmer, were given the go ahead by East Sussex County Council.
Proposals include the creation of 420 additional school places in Eastbourne, by September 2016, with the expansion of St Andrew’s CE Infant School, Tollgate Community Junior School, West Rise Community Infant School and West Rise Junior School.
A total of 98 additional places could be created with the expansion of Robsack Wood Community Primary School in Hastings and plans for Ringmer Primary School could create an additional 105 places. Both would be delivered by September 2015.
Cllr Nick Bennett, lead member for learning and school effectiveness, said: “Rising birth rates and housing developments will always put pressure on school places. This is an issue we cannot and will not ignore.
“East Sussex County Council plans years in advance to ensure every child is offered a suitable place at primary school, and these proposals demonstrate how seriously we take this issue.”
It is estimated that the shortfall in reception year will rise to around 150 places in Eastbourne by 2015/16 and between 90 and 120 places in Hastings by 2015/16. The shortfall in reception year places in Ringmer is expected to be around 15 places.
East Sussex County Council has identified approximately £17.5million in its capital programme to create additional school places to meet demand in the county.
Cllr Nick Bennett added: “Investment in our schools is vital to ensure that the anticipated demand for school places in the future is met.”
Public notices inviting comment on the proposals will be published in local newspapers, displayed at the entrances to the school affected and be available at libraries during the four week formal consultation period which is expected to start later this month.
Comments must be made in writing and a final decision on the school expansion plans is expected to be made by the Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness in December.
Further information
Proposals include the expansion of St Andrew’s CE Infant School and Tollgate Community Junior School by 90 places and 120 places respectively and West Rise Community Infant School and West Rise Junior School by 90 places and 120 places respectively.
Informal consultations took place on each of the proposals ahead of them being discussed by the Lead Member for Learning and School Effectiveness at a meeting on Tuesday 10 September, 2013.