Two primary schools get go-ahead to take more pupils (From Witney Gazette)

Two primary schools get go-ahead to take more pupils

10:30am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News

PLANS for two Oxfordshire schools to expand were agreed yesterday.

Melinda Tilley, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member for schools improvement, gave the nod to allow both Eynsham Primary and Orchard Meadow Primary in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, to take 60 children each year from September 2013.

Both schools currently have an intake of 45.

Mrs Tilley said the decision had been taken due to growing pressure for primary school places.She said: “If you look around at other schools, there is no room and nowhere to expand.

“We have to try to expand where there is space.”

Mrs Tilley added: “We are always looking at new developments where school places are most needed.”

There is already sufficient classroom space at Eynsham to take the extra children, but a feasibility study will be carried out as to what new facilities might be required. Extra classrooms will be needed at Orchard Meadow, and a feasibility study is already under way.

The schools will ultimately grow in size from 315 children on roll to 420 at Orchard Meadow, and from 376 to 420 at Eynsham.