EDUCATION chiefs in Bournemouth are set to expand secondary schools to deal with ever-increasing pupil numbers.

At least 1,800 extra places will be needed from September 2018 so councillors are expected to ask officers to draw up detailed plans at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday July 23.

More than half of the town's primary schools have already been forced to take extra pupils due to an increased birth rate and immigration.

One new school is already open with two more set to take their first reception pupils this Autumn.

Councillors will ask for an investigation into appropriate funding before looking into which secondary schools will be able to grow.

They will also discuss potential pressures on post-16 education due to the participation age being raised from 16-17 and more young people choosing to stay at school.

Secondary schools in Bournemouth include Avonbourne and Harewood colleges, Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for girls, Glenmoor, Winton, Oak Academy, Bishop of Winchester, ST Peter's and The Bourne Academy.

Councillor Nicola Greene, Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, said: “Forecasts show that over time the increase in pupil numbers that we have seen at primary age will transfer to secondary and we are already working hard to put in place suitable measures to ensure that there are enough secondary school places in Bournemouth in the future.

“We anticipate that around 1,800 extra school places across year groups 7 to 11 will be needed from 2018 and so it is important that we start early, working closely with the secondary academies and their governors to look at possible options to expand as well as seeking appropriate funding.”

Cabinet will receive a further report in March 2015 on progress on proposed school expansions.