BOURNEMOUTH could get a new primary school by September 2014 to help meet the high demand for places.

Bournemouth councillors are being asked to consider a proposal to create a new two-form entry primary school on the site of Avonbourne College in Harewood Avenue.

If the plans get the go-ahead, the council and Avonbourne will carry out a full feasibility study and prepare a business case.

Councillor Nicola Greene, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “We are experiencing an increasing demand for primary school places across the borough, and in particular in the South East and central parts of the borough. At the same time we have a legal duty to provide enough school places and so this presents us with a huge challenge.

“The Council’s School Place Planning Board has been working hard to meet the increasing demand, having already expanded existing primary schools where it’s been possible.

"As agreed at the last Cabinet meeting, a new primary school is required and we have identified the site at Avonbourne College as a proposed suitable location.”

Executive headteacher of the Avonbourne International Business Trust, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, said: "We are very pleased to be working with the Council in helping to provide much needed primary school places in our area of Bournemouth.

"We have the available space to provide an excellent education for 4 to 11 year-olds for generations to come.

"A primary school here would be part of the Avonbourne family and benefit from the excellent facilities we share across our Harewood and Avonbourne colleges sites.

"If given the go-ahead we will keep everyone informed about what happens next and from the beginning make this a school by and for the local community."

The Council has submitted bid for £5.5million of government funding to pay for the new school. The Department for Education has made available additional resources for areas where there is high demand for extra school places.

Full story and reaction to follow.