PRIMARY schools in Bournemouth are set to expand even further to tackle ever-increasing pupil numbers.

Controversial proposals to increase numbers at five schools and build new ones are set to go out to consultation next week.

Cabinet members will also be asked to approve a £3.3 million building project at Winton Primary School which will take pupil numbers there to 840.

The plans are on top of those already revealed for new primary schools on the sites of St Peter’s and Avonbourne in the over-stretched east of the town.

And they are certain to cause concern among parents worried about the rapid rise in numbers.

New schools, on sites yet to be identified, could include a ‘Studio Primary School’ and a ‘Village School’, a small school with one or two year groups only.

Annexes could also be built at existing schools.

Bournemouth council has a legal duty to provide enough school places for children living in the borough of statutory school age.

Neil Goddard, service director for Community Learning and Commissioning, said: “We are working closely with primary schools and their governing bodies to discuss the most appropriate options for creating additional reception places as well as investigating other options such as the Village School, Studio School and school annexe approach.

“All proposals will be subject to public consultation as part of the annual setting of school admission arrangements.”

Options for expansion include: n Permanent expansion of St Katharine’s Primary from two forms of entry to three – an extra 30 places per year group.

  • Temporary expansion of Kinson Primary from two forms of entry to three – an extra 30 places per year group.
  • Temporary expansion of Elm Academy from two forms of entry to three – an extra 30 places per year group.
  • Continued temporary expansion of Jewell Academy from two forms of entry to three – an extra 30 places per year group.
  • Permanent expansion of St Mark’s Primary from two forms of entry to three – an extra 30 places per year group.
  •  Consideration for a new Studio Primary School at a site to be identified providing 30 places per year group.
  • New Village School/s at site/s to be identified providing 60 places.
  • Annexe to exising school/s at site/s to be identified providing 60 places.

Plans for Winton Primary include: n A single storey extension to include a new studio, small hall and making the existing school hall bigger.

  • Creation of extra classrooms. 
  • A covered space to link buildings and to provide shelter.
  • Remodelling of the existing school layout.
  • Relocation of staff car park and school main entrance.
  • Work to improve traffic flow and access in and around the school site.