THE council is eyeing the expansion of four Maidenhead primary schools to support the borough’s growing population – and residents can have their say.

The Royal Borough wants to increase places at the affected schools from September 2022 as the council projects the number of pupils will rise over the next few years, overtaking the number of available spaces.

According to the council, this is expected in those parts of the town where substantial new housing has recently been or is expected to be built.

READ MORE: Residents to have say on 450 home West Windsor plan

The proposals focus on:

  • South east Maidenhead – it is proposed that the Chiltern Road site, formerly occupied by Forest Bridge School, is returned to primary school use from September 2022. This is likely to be a free school.
  • North east Maidenhead – possible expansion at St. Luke’s Church of England Primary School from 45 to 60 places per year group, and/or possible expansion at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School by the same amount, proposed for September 2022.
  • Central Maidenhead – possible expansion of Larchfield Primary and Nursery School from September 2024 or later, by demolishing it and rebuilding it with 60 places per year group (up from 30).
  • South west Maidenhead – the council is also consulting on plans to increase capacity at Lowbrook Academy, so that it can provide 60 places across all year groups from September 2024.

Councillor Stuart Carroll, cabinet member for adult social care, children’s services, health and mental health, said: “The council has a legal duty to ensure that there are enough places for residents’ children and has been working with schools to develop options for providing these where the growth is expected.

“This increased demand is driven by families moving to the area, which is great news for the borough, and ensuring they have access to our fantastic schools is a priority.”

READ MORE: Some Covid-free Windsor & Maidenhead areas now recording small rise in cases

Once the consultation has ended, the council’s Cabinet will meet in early summer to consider the feedback and decide whether to approve any of the proposals.

Parents, staff, governors, residents and community organisations have been asked to give their views on the plans and have until midday on Friday 23 April 2021 to respond the consultation.

To find take part in the consultation please visit: https://surveys.achievingforchildren.org.uk/s/MaidenheadPrimary/.