£7m plan drawn up to expand Sandwell secondary school places
Almost £7 million is set to be spent on classes for an extra 990 children in Sandwell, if councillors give plans the green light this week.
Three secondary schools could be expanded to meet growing demand for 11-16 year-old pupils as they move up from primary schools.
The scheme will increase the number of places at Bristnall Hall Academy, the Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet members are being asked to back the £6,909,000 spend as part of plans to provide over 3,000 more secondary places in coming years.
Education officers warn any delay in approving the cash would mean the council will not have enough classrooms ready for an extra 480 children expected to start secondary education in September 2021.
The officers said: “Without the completion of the enabling works packages, and then the main construction works, there would be an immediate shortfall in supply of places to meet demand for places for the academic year 2021/22.
“To ensure a sufficient supply of places there is a need to continue to fund expansion of secondary schools to match projected demand.”
In a cabinet report, education chiefs added: “The statutory provision of 990 new secondary school places by September 2021 and will assist the authority to improve the educational chances children have in life, by ensuring there are enough good school places across the borough and contribute to enhanced local community facilities to support families who choose to settle, work and live in the borough.”
Sandwell Council’s cabinet will discuss the report at their meeting on Wednesday.
