A 'POPULAR and outstanding' school is to almost double its student numbers with a multi-million pound expansion.
A decision to expand Rumworth School has been granted by education chiefs in Bolton and £3.7m has been set aside to build the necessary new space.
Cllr Anne Galloway, cabinet member for schools and education, has given notice of plans to increase the intake at the special school from 240 to around 400 from September 1 this year.
A report to councillors, outlining the decision, stated: "Within the last ten years or so, it has been widely reported that there have been significant increase in pupil numbers across the borough, and which has also resulted in an increased need for additional places within special school provision.
"Rumworth School is a popular and outstanding secondary special school that supports the needs of children who have a range of learning difficulties and other needs."
The school, in Armadale Road, was previously substantially enlarged back in 2016. Their most recent Ofsted inspection, two years ago, rated Rumworth as 'outstanding'.
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