Three Liverpool schools are set to expand under proposals approved by Liverpool Council this morning.
Secondary schools Liverpool College and The Belvedere are both set to grow, as is Banks Road Primary in Garston.
The move comes as the city’s school-age population is projected to increase, with a need for schools in certain parts of the city to expand to meet the new demand.
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A report to cabinet warned that the council continues to struggle to provide enough places for pupils, with that challenge set to continue in the future.
The report said: “Pupil number projections indicate a further increase in the total primary school population from the current academic year to Jan 2022 from 36,645 to 38,610, an increase of 1,965 pupils, this equates to a further increase of 5%.
“Citywide there is a projected increase for the September 2021 Reception class intake, however this rise is not sustained in the subsequent years. There has been a disparity in growth across the wards, with some areas experiencing large increases, whilst others have remained static.”
It goes on to warn that without further action there will be an even more “significant shortfall” in Year 7 places in coming years.
Banks Road was picked for expansion due to extensive housebuilding nearby, with two new clasrooms set to be built at a cost of £310,000.
The expansions at secondary level are far more extensive.
Liverpool College is set to increase its Year 7 intake by 26 places from September 2022, requiring a new two storey teaching block at a cost of £2.3m.
Meanwhile, the Belvedere will grow its yearly intake by 25 places. Parts of the school’s existing buildings are set to be remodelled, with a two storey extension also built on part of the site.
That work is set to cost just under £3m.
The council’s cabinet gave final sign off to the plans this morning.
