Posted on Tuesday 24th January 2012
One of Burton’s most rapidly expanding schools could make the move to the new school buildings planned by the county council for Tutbury Road.
It’s the latest development in Staffordshire’s drive to create school places for a population boom in the town. St Modwen’s Primary School looks set to make the move and expand, to meet growing demand for places.
Last week the council announced plans to build a new school on the county owned Tutbury Road site, and earlier this week came through with news that it had secured 8.5 acres at Belvedere Road for another new primary school.
Discussions with the school’s governors have given the idea the thumbs up – and now parents and the community will be asked if they back the move.
Relocation would enable the school to permanently increase the number of reception places available from 30 to 60 from September 2013 and would eventually provide places for up to 420 pupils.
County Councillor Liz Staples, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said the council was taking bold and decisive steps to address the school population issues in Burton.
“St Modwen’s is a very popular and oversubscribed school. There’s increasing demand for places from Catholic and non-Catholic parents alike. This move would make this possible, meeting demand for future generations.
“With the new school at Belvedere taking shape, we are now well on the way to meeting the demand for another 1,000 places in the years ahead.
“We have to take firm and decisive action to meet Burton’s booming population and to ensure every child gets a quality place. Doing nothing is not an option, and this is why we are pressing ahead with pace and ambition to build a brighter future for Burton’s next generation,” she said.
Amanda Newbold, headteacher at St Modwen’s said the plans were very exciting.
“We are working with our governors and trustees to ensure that the proposed move delivers the maximum benefits and new facilities for all our existing children, while opening up new opportunities for all those who want to join us.