The expansion of several schools in Crawley and Mid Sussex, including a new school in Haywards Heath, are being proposed to cater for an increase in the number of families with young children.
The number of children has been rising across West Sussex for several years and Department for Education projections show that, by 2023, the number of primary aged pupils will be nine per cent higher than it was last year.
To cope with this future demand the following proposals have been put forward for consultation by West Sussex County Council.
From September 2016
Northgate Primary (Crawley) – Permanently increase school from 2 form entry (60 places) to 3 form entry (90 places) per year group.
Crawley Down Village C of E School (East Grinstead) – Increase school from 1.5 form entry school (45 places) to 2 form entry (60 places) per year group.
Harlands Primary (Haywards Heath) – Increase school from 2 form entry (60 places) to 3 form entry (90 places) per year group.
Northlands Wood Primary (Haywards Heath) – Increase school from 1.5 form entry school (45 places) to 2 form entry (60 places) per year group.
From September 2019
Hurst Farm Primary (Haywards Heath) – New 1 form entry (30 places) school expandable to 2 form entry (60 places).
Jeremy Hunt, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The Crawley and Mid Sussex areas are served by a large number of highly-regarded and successful schools. The County Council has been closely monitoring the number of children in these schools to make sure they can meet the demand for places. We have received evidence of further growth in the number of children. This is in part due to an increase in the birth rate and also in response to migration and house building.”
A number of drop-in sessions for people who would like to come along and discuss the proposals in person will be held. Details are as follows:
• 10 November 2015, 3.15 – 5.45pm. Harlands Primary School, Penland Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1PJ
• 12 November 2015, 3.30 – 6pm. Northgate Primary School, Green Lane, Crawley RH10 8DX
• 16 November 2015, 3pm – 6pm. Crawley Down Village C of E School, Hophurst Drive, Crawley Down, RH10 4XA.
The County Council is working in partnership with the schools involved to coordinate this consultation exercise on their behalf. The individual governing bodies or, in the case of academies, the academy trusts of each of the existing schools will make the final decision on whether schools expand. The Secretary of State for Education will appoint the sponsor of any new school.
Jeremy added: “We would like to know whether there is support for these proposals. I urge everyone to read the consultation document and write to us with your views. We will pass these to the schools for further consideration. Your opinions are important to the governing bodies and academy trusts and will influence how and where school places are provided.”
Consultation booklets are available from any of the schools involved and local libraries. People can also go to www.westsussex.gov.uk and search for ‘consultation hub’ to respond online.
People can also email schoolconsultations@westsussex.gov.uk or call 0330 222 3046.
The closing date for comments is 30 November 2015.