A POPULAR primary school is bidding to open a multi-million pound school as part of the Horwich Loco Works development.

St Catherine's Primary School in Horwich has announced it wants to build on its reputation and open a brand new primary to cope with demand.

It has become the first school in the borough to announce it is taking advantage of the Government's academy programme.

Headteacher Karen Graham said the need to open a school in Horwich had become crucial with the development of 1,700 houses.

Bolton Council has previously revealed plans to extend and build a new school for Chorley New Road Primary to cater for the families moving into the new development.

Mrs Graham said: "A new free school is being proposed as part of an exciting new development to provide 1,700 houses in Horwich, Bolton and working in partnership with Bolton Council we hope meet the growing demand for school places and give local families and children a new school offer.

"Although distinctive it will be built from the outset as a new school in line with our vision.

"The school will be built upon the successes and experiences of St. Catherine’s CE Primary."

St Catherine's CE Primary is constantly oversubscribed and there is a demand for school places in Horwich and said Mrs Graham the staff wanted to provide an outstanding education for the community.

Mrs Graham, who leads an Ofsted rated 'good with outstanding features' school, said: "Staff are really excited at the idea of a new school which they can put their stamp on and do it for the locality.

"They have an opportunity to develop a school from scratch."

She stressed that the plans would complement the Chorley New Road School development.

Mrs Graham added a new build was the preferred option than extending St Catherine's CE Primary School.

The new school could open open in September 2019. It will be a two form entry primary school alongside a 30 place nursery.

A site still has to be identified but building the school near the new houses has not been ruled out.

The two schools will share leadership, services and back office functions and staff would have opportunities to further develop their role.

The new school, however, will have its own name, which the community will help decide.

Mrs Graham said: "We are seeking to solve a basic need for places but to make sure that they are in successful and strong provision, adding to choice and diversity through our distinctive curriculum and ethos, responding to parental demand for a proven type of education that is highly successful and popular."