MORE than a dozen extra places are to be created at a village school.

Council chiefs are to increase the numbers of pupils going into reception at Blackrod School from 30 to 45 this September after a "record year for demand" for school places.

They have stressed that two classes will be created of around 22 children — rather than putting all the children in one class.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe, cabinet member for schools and education, who also represents Horwich and Blackrod, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to achieve this expansion in places for the children of Horwich and Blackrod.

“It is one of my priorities to accommodate the needs of our children and this is a big step forward because of our successful partnership working.

“There is still more work to do and we are continuing to look at other opportunities to increase capacity elsewhere.”

The move to expand Blackrod School comes as Bolton Council controversially shut Scot Lane End Primary School in the village in 2008. It had 15 surplus places.

Education chiefs said surplus places and falling birth rates made the schools unviable.

Blackrod School is one of the best primaries in the borough after being rated outstanding by Ofsted. It was among the top performing schools based on the national curriculum tests, with 94 per cent of children reaching at least the required standard when leaving primary schools.

Existing classrooms will be used as currently the increase in pupil places at the school is only temporary but eduction chiefs are to carry out a consultation on making the increase permanent as part of school improvements.

The school is currently working with corporate property services to look at very minor modifications to be made ahead of the September start.

The expansion is part of a programme to expand schools which has led to an increase in places at Claypool Primary School from 30 to 60 reception places and Chorley New Road from 45 to 60.