AN unexpected 380 per cent increase in the number of school-aged children arriving in Warrington from abroad – driven by significant migration from Hong Kong – is contributing to a shortfall of school places.
New housing at Omega has also been sold faster than in previous years, adding to the increased demand for school places in North West Warrington.
As a result, members of Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet will be asked next Tuesday to approve more than £3.6 million funding to enable schools to accommodate more pupils.
The 380 per cent rise in international migration of school-aged children has occurred over the last two years.
Housing development at Omega has increased, partly due to late changes in planning permission from offices to housing, has resulted in further demand for school places over the next few years.
However, Warrington, as well as the rest of the country , is experiencing a significant decrease in birth numbers so it is expected demand for school places between now and 2025 will be about 20 per cent lower than peak demand., which means the shortfall in places may be temporary.
As an immediate temporary measure, the council has agreement from schools to increase class sizes by two pupils.
In addition, children are being placed in schools which are further away but which still have capacity.
However, the indication is that there will soon be no school places at all in North West Warrington in years 3, 4, 5 and 6.
A report to be presented to the council’s cabinet by Cllr Sarah Hall, lead member of children’s services, will recommend £448,000 capital funding for Barrow Hall Primary School to provide 35 additional places, £1.8 million for Great Sankey Primary School, for 105 new places, £1.22 million for Chapelford Primary for 120 temporary places and £300,000 for Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School for 75 additional places across all year groups.
