A NEW primary school could be built in Christchurch to meet an increasing demand for places.

Dorset County Council says it is considering long-term options to deal with extra school places in the borough as Christchurch Infants School prepares to have a temporary classroom installed on its site to take in around 26 extra pupils later this year.

But despite speculation among parents and staff that a new school is on the cards, the council refused to officially confirm whether a new school was one of the long-term options being looked at.

The temporary building – which will only be in place for two years – has caused concern among some parents about added pressure on school resources.

Jackie Last, acting director for children’s services at Dorset County Council, said: “There has been an increase in pupil numbers across Christchurch and a particularly high number of applications for Christchurch Infants School. All of the four-year-old children from the north and west of the borough who applied for a reception place at Christchurch Infants were offered a school place in the borough but, for around 26 children this involves travelling away from their immediate catchment area and community.

“This is obviously an exceptional situation. We agree that, wherever possible, young children need to be educated close to the area where they live. As a result, we’re using temporary classrooms, while longer term plans are put in place.

“We’re still considering options for long-term provision, but will continue to work closely with the school, parents and the local community as these plans develop. In the meantime, we hope to announce more details within the next few weeks.”

Jane Ashenden, head teacher at Christchurch Infants School said: “The governors of Christchurch Infant School have been approached by the Local Authority to provide temporary places for additional pupils at the school in September 2013.

“Although this is yet to be finalised, the school is working hard to ensure any such increase in classes will not be to the detriment of the existing pupils and those joining us in our September intake. We are confident that the extra pupils can be accommodated on the site for an interim period of two years.

“We have been told that the local authority is wishing to increase educational provision in the area and the governors feel very strongly that this needs to be done as a matter of urgency.”

 

First choice for parents

More than 92 per cent of families in Dorset who applied for a reception place got their first choice this year.

But the council said there has been a national increase in pupil numbers.

All four-year-old children from north and west Christchurch who applied for a reception place at Christchurch Infants School have received an offer of a place in the Christchurch area but this involved travel distance and time for about 26 children leading to the temporary measure.