Schools set to expand with new ones planned across West Suffolk

Elmswell Primary School, Bosmere Primary School in Needham Market and Abbots Green in Bury St Edmunds are all set to be expanded as part of plans to cater for additional pupils from planned residential developments

A total of 105 additional spaces are being created at each of the schools.

Meanwhile, new primary schools are planned in Thurston, Woolpit, Bacton and Bury St Edmunds.

Education cabinet member Gordon Jones revealed in this month’s scrutiny committee that six existing primaries across Suffolk and two high schools were in line for expansion, while 10 new schools were also on the cards, subject to the required housing coming forward.

Meanwhile, the Sybil Andrews Academy, in Bury St Edmunds, is being eyed for double its current 600 capacity.

It is not yet clear how many places each of the new schools will have with some being determined by the number of houses being developed.

A spokesman at Suffolk County Council said that the likelihood for the expansion work was within the next two or three years, although some required the housing to come forward.

He said a 1,000 home development would typically bring a further 250 primary pupils, but highlighted the importance of timing developments correctly.