£7 million plan for 990 more class spaces for Sandwell pupils
Plans to spend almost £7 million providing an extra 990 places in a Sandwell's schools have been described as absolutely vital for secondary education.
Senior councillors have given the green light to expand class spaces at Bristnall Hall Academy, the Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet members have backed spending £6,909,000 as part of a £21.8 million investment to provide 3,300 more places by 2025.
Councillor Rajbir Singh, chairman of the children’s services and education scrutiny board, supporting the decision, said there was no choice if the authority was to meet the demand from increasing numbers of children transferring from primary to secondary school.
He said: "To do nothing is not an option if we are to achieve our 3,300 school places by 2025. These 990 places are absolutely vital to achieve that.”
In a report to the cabinet, education officers had warned any delay in approving the cash would mean the borough would not have enough classrooms ready by September 2021.
They 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.”
The cash will complete the construction of a new classroom block at Bristnall Hall Academy providing 150 places and work at both Q3 Academy Langley and West Bromwich Collegiate Academy which will create space for 840 pupils.
