Charles Dickens and Grange primary schools to expand

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, Southwark's cabinet member for children's services, this week approved the publication of statutory notices for the expansion of six primary schools in the borough, include Charles Dickens in Toulmin Street and Grange in Webb Street.

A consultation exercise with parents and staff at the affected schools was held this autumn.

Both of the SE1 schools earmarked for expansion to two forms of entry (60 pupils) currently take in 45 pupils (one and a half classes) each autumn.

At Charles Dickens Primary School, 13 parents and two staff responded in favour of expansion, with 11 parents, one pupil and one local resident voicing their opposition. Two other parents gave neutral responses.

The newly installed prefabricated classrooms on the former alignment of Lant Street will be removed once building work on a permanent extension to the school is complete.

From Grange Primary School the council received positive responses from 18 parents, eight members of staff and five governors. Just two parents tabled objections to the proposed expansion.

A final decision on plans to increase the size of the six schools will be made by the borough's cabinet in March this year.

The council has set aside a budget of more than £50 million for the expansion programme.