HUNDREDS more school places must be created in Bournemouth due to a sharp rise in the birth rate.

Ten schools are now being considered for expansion to ensure every reception age child can be offered a place in September 2011.

A further 300 places are needed, on top of the 165 already agreed for 2010.

Elmrise and Heathlands primaries are under consideration for the second year running, meaning their intakes could rise by an additional 60 and 45 places respectively in just two years. This would make Elmrise the biggest primary school in Bournemouth but it is currently one of the least popular, along with Heathlands and St Clement’s and St John’s, the only three which currently have spaces available.

The 10 schools identified in potential expansion for 2011 are Elmrise, Heathlands, Kingsleigh, Stourfield Infants, Muscliff, Winton, St Michael’s, St Mark’s, St Katharine’s and Corpus Christi.

Eight will be selected, each of which would need to take an additional 30 children. Children would be taught in temporary accommodation on at least five of the school sites.

Neil Goddard, Service Director for Children’s Strategic Services at Bournemouth council, said the schools have been selected based on the potential for expansion on their sites. He said some other schools have no room to expand.

He stressed the council’s priority is to fulfil its obligation to provide a school place for every child in the borough.

It hopes to implement the changes with the support of the suggested schools but said moves can be taken to insist they take extra children if necessary.

There are currently 1,512 primary school children on roll in Bournemouth, predicted to rise to 1,893 in September 2011 and 2,064 the following year.

The proposals went before Cabinet in Bournemouth on Wednesday when members agreed to a detailed public consultation period.

A final decision will be made in March.