A £10m plan to create hundreds of additional places across two schools was approved by Bolton 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 last 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 some 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 suggested this is not sustainable without an increase in the amount of space at these schools as a "longer-term solution".

The Bolton News: Little Lever 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: Ladybridge 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.

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

He said: "As a council, we have a responsibility to ensure every child can access school places.

"The demand for school places in Bolton remains high and in recent years we worked productively with local schools to accommodate additional students within their existing buildings. 

"Now is the right time to invest in the physical expansion of schools in key parts of the borough. 

"This decision will create 300 additional places across two schools, both of which are rated good by Ofsted."

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