Work approved to extend schools over rising demand

Plans to extend two schools in Wolverhampton to cope with rising pupil numbers have been approved.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s planners gave the green light to planning applications for £1.725m plans to create 160 new places at Moreton School and Aldersley High School.

The trust’s planning application for Moreton School asked for permission to build a single-storey extension that would accommodate three new classrooms, IT room and gym. 

The classroom extension would accommodate an extra 150 pupils in line with the requirements of the increased admission numbers. 

The trust also submitted plans for Aldersley High School asking for permission to extend its existing sports hall to make way for a smaller hall, classroom and office. 

The local authority approved funding agreements with Amethyst Academies Trust, which runs the two schools, earlier this year.

A total of 90 new places would be created at  Moreton School in Old Fallings Lane, Bushbury, including an additional year 7 bulge class of 30 places and 30 further places in both years 8 and 9.

A further 70 places would be created at Aldersley High School in Barnhurst Lane, Codsall with an additional year 7 bulge class of 30 places and 20 further places in both years 8 and 9.

As part of the decision, the council said it would also be creating an extra 45 school places – 30 places at Bilston CE Primary School and 15 places at St Matthias School. 

An extra 15 places would be made at St Matthias School with no money provided and the council says that further talks will be held over future demand and capacity. A total of £150,000 would be spent to create an extra 30 places at Bilston CE Primary School.

The council said the school traditionally catered for up to 60 pupils per year group but currently has a 30-pupil bulge classes in years 4 and 6.