Mowden chosen for primary school expansion (From The Northern Echo)

Mowden chosen for primary school expansion

5:20pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Darlington

EXTRA primary school places are to be created after a new report outlined a projected surge in demand in the coming years.

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet agreed to expand Mowden Infant and Junior School after hearing that the west end of the town is already experiencing a shortage of school places for younger children.

The decision means that funding can be allocated for the project and more detailed design work on changes to the school can begin.

The report put before the cabinet notes that although there is currently a surplus of school places across the borough, projected numbers for 2014 show the number of pupils will quickly exceed the number of places available.

The situation is particulary tight in reception classes, which are already operating to their limit.

The report said: “The feasibility work has concluded that current pupil projections and demand for places clearly identify the need for school places in the west end of Darlington. The schools in this locality are heavily oversubscribed due to their popularity.

“The study identified Mowden Infant and Junior School as most suitable for the initial focus of expansion.”

Councillors gave unanimous backing to the plans, which will go to public consultation.