THE HEADTEACHER of a primary school near Malvern which is set to expand its pupil numbers has said he is ‘happy and excited’ and looking forward to seeing plans properly unfold.
Stuart Bill, head at Leigh and Bransford Primary School, was speaking after Worcestershire County Council approved plans to expand the pupil intake from 15 to 30 a year.
Mr Bill admitted there was only a ‘very basic’ detailed plan set out for the Hoopers Close site, which looks likely to add three extra classrooms to meet the demand.
He told the Observer: “It is exciting it has been passed in its very most basic sense. But I am looking forward to the next stage when the detailed feasibility work comes forward.
“That has to be done carefully and made sure everybody’s concerns are met. It is good news, we are positive about it, we are happy about it but we are looking forward to seeing plans properly unfold.
“We will need to add three additional classrooms so sizes could remain what they are and we could still meet the needs of the children to the standard we do now.”
The cabinet meeting, which took place last Thursday (February 5) also saw plans to increase Callow End CofE Primary School’s numbers from 12 to 15 given the green light.
But further discussions will take place between councillors and Northleigh CE Primary and Somers Park Primary School and headteacher of Somers Park Stuart Sewell has said he is determined his school will not get any larger.
Despite calling the expansion of fellow schools a ‘sound decision’ Mr Sewell kept his stance from October last year, when he originally reassured parents it would not be expanding.
“There is a governing body meeting today (Wednesday) when the matter will be reviewed and there may well be some revising for what we are prepared to do in the future,” he said.
“But as it stands my stance is still the same that I don’t want Somers Park getting larger.”
Coun Simon Geraghty, responsible for economy, skills and infrastructure, added: “It is important we make sure every child has a good opportunity of an excellent education in Worcestershire and the starting point of that is actually that we have sufficient places in the system.”
