A £10m plan to create hundreds of additional places across two schools is under consideration by the council.

The authorities want Ladybridge School and Little Lever School to accommodate another 150 pupils apiece.

The reason for the £10m plan to create hundreds of additional places is the pressure on these places, which is set to rise year-on-year for the foreseeable future, according to a report for consideration by cabinet member for children's services Martin Donaghy next week. It is thought there is a need for up to 750 additional places over the next five years.

The authorities came to an agreement with several schools to accommodate another 185 pupils for the start of this term, allowing more than 80 per cent of them to attend their top preference, but the report for consideration by Cllr Donaghy suggests this is not sustainable without an increase in the amount of space at these schools as a "longer-term solution".

The Bolton News: Ladybridge School

It reads: "The schools cannot continue to repeat these actions since they are not sustainable. The projections reinforce the evidence that a longer-term solution is needed and that a strategic approach is needed in order to provide confidence in being able to meet the demand."

The Bolton News: Little Lever School

At Ladybridge School, off Junction Road, the plan is for the construction of a new block as well as "internal remodelling" and at Little Lever School, off Church Street, the plan is for the creation of a new extension as well as "internal remodelling". This will allow the two schools, both of which are rated "good", to accommodate another 150 pupils apiece.

The report recommends Cllr Donaghy to approve more than £10m towards the work, which will require planning permission, although this is not seen as a standalone solution.

It reads: "It is unlikely the expansions alone will provide a suitable solution, since an agile approach is required that is able to respond to rises and falls in demand over the coming years, especially if the longer-term effects of lower births begin to be seen in the secondary sector.

"A strategy that includes a range of options where some schools expand, while others utilise existing space or temporary space to accommodate shorter-term bulge years, is needed to meet these challenges."


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.