Decision details

(i)  To note the outcome of statutory consultation as set out in this report;

(ii)  To approve the increase in pupil numbers at Thornhill Primary School to 420, increasing the PAN of the school to 60 (2FE) from September 2017; and

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Service Director, Children and Families Service, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Social Care, to give effect to the recommendations in this report.

1.  Southampton has seen a significant increase in pupils entering Year R since 2010. The rise was forecast to peak in admissions for September 2015. The Council responded by expanding schools in the Primary sector. The majority of these expansions were permanent to ensure sufficient places for the general rise in the school population in Southampton.

2.  In total, since September 2010, 4,810 places have been added to the Primary sector (in all years) in Southampton. At Year R, 825 extra places (27.5FE) have been provided for the forecast peak year of 2015.

3.  From September 2016 the forecast total number of children requiring a Year R place in Southampton is set to fall slightly. However, an increase in the number of completed and proposed housing developments in the east of the City, combined with an increase in pressure on nearby Hampshire schools, means there will continue to be pressure in the east planning area (as designated by the School Capacity Survey) in the coming years.

4.  The current forecast suggests that 30-60 places will be required in the east of the City in 2016. There will also be increasing pressure on school places in all Primary year groups in this part of the City until 2019.

5.  The LA therefore intends to raise the PAN at Thornhill Primary School, expanding the school as part of a wider strategy to ensure sufficient places for all children who require one.

6.  Thornhill Primary School is currently rated Good by Ofsted (November 2012) and the provision has been oversubscribed in recent years. There is a presumption, as outlined in the School Organisation Guidance (Jan 2014), in favour of expanding good and/or popular schools.

1.  The Council could decide not to increase pupil numbers at Thornhill Primary School but the current forecast suggests it would therefore not be able to fulfil its statutory duty to provide a school place to all those who require one.

2.  Expansion at other Primary schools was considered and many have already expanded in recent years as part of the Primary review begun in 2010. The current forecast suggests the required demand for 2016 and beyond will be in the Bitterne, Peartree and Harefield Wards. Therefore the proposed expansion at Thornhill, combined with a proposed bulge class at St Monica Primary School, provides school places in the right area.