Hampshire News
School bosses search for new primary site in Winchester
7:00am Saturday 4th February 2012
THE SEARCH has begun for a suitable site for a new primary school in Winchester city to cope with a leap in demand for places.
The county council is planning to expand existing primaries with temporary classrooms to provide an extra 80 places next September.
This is equal to two and a half new reception classes.
Spiralling demand has been put down to a baby boom and hundreds of new homes built in the city over the last five years.
As previously reported, Western, Winnall, All Saints in Highcliffe, Harestock, St Peter’s Catholic, Kings Worthy and Sun Hill Infant in Alresford have been earmarked for double temporary classrooms, estimated to cost £100,000 each.
Some head teachers and parents are worried greater pupils numbers will put a strain on school halls, kitchens and playgrounds.
County education officers met headteachers and chairs of governors last Tuesday (January 31) to hammer out the plans.
For full story, see this week’s Hampshire Chronicle out now, price just 70p.