Thatcham primary could double in size to meet demand

A THATCHAM primary school is planning a six-classroom extension, which could increase its capacity by almost half the current pupil total.

According to the application, the double-storey extension is to cater for the increase in demand for places at Spurcroft Primary School, Spurcroft Road.

The plan also include new cycle and scooter shelters, and alterations and extensions to the car park.

If approved, the six classrooms will hold a maximum of 30 pupils each – 180 in total.

The application has been submitted by Abingdon-based Frankham Consultancy Group Limited, on behalf of West Berkshire Council’s education department.

In 2011, there were not enough places in Thatcham for local children, and Newbury schools had no spare capacity to take on the pupils.

Spurcroft was particularly in demand, with 17 more applications from the catchment area than the 45 admission places. As a result, the school was asked by West Berkshire Council to increase its admission numbers the following year.

Associate architect Andrew Clarke said: “The first priority revolved around improving facilities for Key Stage 1, as these areas needed addressing as soon as possible to meet immediate demand... as well as improve staff facilities and increase the number of classes at Key Stage 2.”

Spurcroft will not be the first primary school in West Berkshire to have completed a major development in order to accommodate increasing pupil numbers.

In 2012, a new foundation stage area, community rooms, a central learning hub and specialist language units were opened at Winchcombe School.

Earlier in the same year, approval was given for Purley Infant School to expand to become a primary school so that it could increase capacity, and in 2011 a new community hub was opened at John Rankin Schools.

West Berkshire Council is expected to make a decision by April 25.