High birth rate sees Newham schools expand
Primary schools are expanding to cope with the high birth rate in Newham (picture: Dave Thompson/PA) - Credit: PA Archive/Press Association Images
The borough’s rising young population has led to 10,000 new places being created in primary schools.
As revealed by the Recorder, Newham has the second highest birth rate in London, and last year saw 6,023 new arrivals.
But what will happen in five years when these babies are ready to start school?
Newham Council has anticipated that between 45 and 50 new forms of entry need to be provided in primary schools between 2008 and 2014-15 – around 10,000 places.
From next year, it will work to create an additional 31 forms of entry in secondary schools for 4,650 children. More than 2,000 new primary school places were created for the 2014-15 academic year alone across 10 schools.
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This expansion meant that 90 per cent of primary school applicants were able to secure their first choice school – with 97.9pc offered a place at one of their top three.
The largest expansion took place at Upton Cross Primary School, which has grown from a 1.5 form entry on one site to a five form entry based on two sites.
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The other schools have grown by between 30 and 420 places.
In addition, Newham Collegiate sixth form has gained an extra 500 places and Oasis Academy Silvertown has opened with 90 places in each year.
Cllr Quintin Peppiatt said: “We have continued to see increases in the number of people being born in the borough and we want to ensure that every child in Newham has access to the services they need and a place at a good school.
“Our multi-million pound expansion programme will help meet the additional demand for primary and secondary school places.”
