Additional school places added in Preston

Lancashire Country Council has recently approved a number of schemes aimed at creating additional school places in the Preston area.

A School Place Planning Programme 2023-25 was approved by Lancashire County Council back in October 2022. This scheme sets out a series of projects. These aim to provide additional primary and secondary school places where there are projected shortfalls.

Earlier this month, recommendations relating to several proposed schemes in the Preston and Ribble Valley areas were approved by cabinet. One of these recommendations was the creation of 25 temporary places for September 2023 at Broughton-in-Amounderness CE Primary School.

Julie Bell, Lancashire County Council’s Director of education, culture and skills, said:

“The actions taken by our cabinet this week mean we can appropriately progress the planned works and ensure the additional school places are delivered in time to meet demand.”

Councillors have also approved additional funds for two approved projects in Ribble Valley. These projects will create 241 and 141 additional places at Colne Primary Academy and St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic High School.

The demand for school places has been a concern for parents in the local area for some time. These approvals increase the desirability of living in Preston. Parents are reassured that there are enough quality school places available for their children.