Plans to create additional school places are set to be progressed at a meeting later this month.
In 2023, the number of children offered their first preference school place in Rotherham is extremely high and stands at 96%, which is above the national average.
The Council has a responsibility to ensure that school places are in line with demand, ensuring that parents can access a preferred school for their child wherever possible.
Since September 2021, over 450 new school places have been created at Aston Academy, Rawmarsh Community School and Brinsworth Academy.
Cabinet will be asked to approve proposals to expand Waverley Junior Academy, creating an additional 210 places and 7 classrooms.
The creation of extra spaces is estimated to cost up to £2.9m. This will be paid by developer Harworth Group through the use of Section 106 funding. This is a legal agreement between councils and developers to provide funds for the infrastructure needed as part of new developments.
Once approved by Cabinet, these plans remain subject to planning permission and Department for Education approval before they can progress. It is anticipated that the new classrooms will be ready for handover to the trust by August 2025.
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “As a local authority we have a statutory duty to ensure there are enough high-quality school places available for children and families. We work closely with schools, developers and health services to ensure places are keeping pace in line with demand.”
“Waverley Junior Academy is oversubscribed, and future cohort numbers are expected to rise further as the Waverley development grows. The additional capacity at the Academy will allow the school to plan ahead and continue to support young people within the local area.”
You can view the Cabinet report at: Agenda for Cabinet on Monday 18 December 2023, 10.00 a.m. - Rotherham Council
A consultation has launched around proposed school admissions arrangements for 2025 to 2026. You can share your views at: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/school-admissions-3/school-admissions-consultation-2025-2026