Purpose

Pupil projections indicate there will be a shortfall of primary school places in the Goosnargh and Grimsargh planning area in Preston, and the adjoining planning area of Longridge in Ribble Valley from 2025/26.

To address the increased demand in these two areas, approval is being sought to commence a public consultation in relation to a proposal to expand Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School, increasing the school's published admission number from 30 to 60. This would gradually increase the capacity of the school from 210 to 420 places.

It is intended to provide the expansion initially through a one-year temporary increase to the published admission number from 30 to 60 from September 2025 facilitated by the provision of temporary accommodation. The expansion would then become permanent from September 2026, following the completion of the capital build project.

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.