Merton agrees to seek public view on further school expansions

This autumn, Merton Council will be calling on parents and residents for their views on expanding four Merton schools following a cabinet decision this week.

In the latest phase of its school expansion programme, the council will be consulting on permanent expansion at Hillcross, Merton Abbey, Poplar and Pelham Primary Schools. All these schools are taking an extra reception class this September.

The council is making rapid progress on permanent expansion projects. Key phases of expansion projects are due to be completed for children to return in September at All Saints CE (South Wimbledon Centre), Aragon, Benedict, Gorringe Park, Hollymount, Joseph Hood, Liberty, Singlegate, St. Marys RC and William Morris Primary Schools.

Construction work has been completed in the past 18 months for the expansions of Holy Trinity CE, St. Thomas of Canterbury RC and Wimbledon Chase Primary School, which received an outstanding OFSTED inspection report earlier on this year. The legal process for permanent expansion has recently been completed for Cranmer and Wimbledon Park Primary Schools. The expansion of Dundonald Primary School will be considered by the council’s planning applications committee in September.

Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “The school expansion proposals are part of our vision to offer quality local education to our young people to whom we want to give the best possible start in life. Our growing under five population has yet to peak and demand for places will continue to increase, as is the case facing boroughs across London.

“These schools have been identified for development, because we want to build on the success of our good and outstanding schools, which are already popular and oversubscribed and in the area where the demand for more places is.”

He concluded: “We are considering a range of options for a new school provision in the Wimbledon area, where the highest volume for school places still exists.”

Details about the public consultations for all schools will be available in September and will give residents and parents the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns about the proposals. All schools consultations can be viewed on-line at http://www.merton.gov.uk/schoolsconsultations.htm

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