Two areas of Knowsley are facing pressures on school places as thousands of new homes are being built in the borough.
According to a report produced ahead of a Knowsley Council children scrutiny committee meeting held this week, while many areas are expected to have sufficient places in the coming years, some areas will be put under additional pressure.
Halewood in particular is facing pressure for primary school places, which will mean a “bulge year” will need to be created in 2022 – a temporary increase in the number of places at existing schools to meet capacity for a particular year.
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Schools often have a built in gap between the physical space for pupils and the amount of children admitted meaning places can be increased or decreased depending on demand.
Assistant executive director for education and inclusion, Jill Albertina said that a new form of 30 places has been agreed for Plantation Primary from September, and discussions are also in place for a “small increase in faith provision.”
She said that by 2030 around 250 more places will be needed in Halewood due to the East of Halewood development, which could lead to the opening of a new academy in the area.
Ms Albertina added that areas including Huyton, Whiston and Prescot are likely to need more places in coming years to deal with extra pressure, with Silvester Primary School increasing its pupil numbers from September in a bid to help meet that area’s growing need.
Cllr Hugh Malone asked whether there was sufficient capacity in the school and infrastructure for a permanent increase in 30 pupils per year at the school.
Ms Albertina said that building modifications and extensions were due to be made which will allow the extra children to be housed.
Both Kirkby and Halewood are projected to have shortfalls in secondary provision due to increasing pupil numbers.
In Kirkby, a review suggested new places would be needed for the 2022/3 academic year, with one secondary school due to permanently increase its pupil admission numbers and another to create a “bulge year” to accommodate the extra demand.
Ms Albertina said: “All Saints have increased their number from 200 to 210 for this round of admissions and Kirkby High School have a bulge year added which will take up to 20 additional Knowsley residents should demand warrant that.
“We are waiting for final confirmation of data that comes in March and then we will know whether they go live for next academic year or the one after.”
The situation in Halewood is being kept under review, with projections suggesting a “sufficiency issue” could arise in 2023, which may require similar measures to those in Kirkby.
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