Primary schools may have to take more pupils

Demand for places is increasing every year and a report going to senior councillors next week says places for at least an extra 150 youngsters must be found by September next year.

A number of schools have already added to their intake this year but will be asked to take even more.

Some who have opposed the move may have no choice if data due to be released in June reveals a need for more reception classes across the borough.

Elmrise and Heathlands have already taken on extra children but will be asked to take a further 30 each. Kingsleigh, Muscliff, Queens Park Infants, Winton and Christ the King will be asked to continue with temporary admission arrangements introduced this year, meaning they will all have 30 extra children.

If more places are needed, Kings Park and St Katharine’s could be asked to take 30 more children each, despite opposition from governors.

And there is no guarantee that the extra places will be created near to the addresses of the children needing the places.

Cabinet members will be told a high birth rate and immigration have led to the need for more places and that the situation will get worse in coming years.

A report to members says: “The council has a legal responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient school places. The limited options available will mean that schools facing significant challenges already, or those where the governing body opposes expansion, will have to be required to provide additional places.”

Neil Goddard, service director for children’s strategic services, said: “Councils up and down the country are continuing to face an unprecedented increase in the demand for places. In Bournemouth this demand is more evident in particular areas, such as the centre and west of the town – we are faced with a significant challenge.”

He said demand has been fuelled by rising birth rates, people moving into the borough, fewer people leaving and fewer choosing independent schools.