New schools required to keep up with Norwich demand

As letting agents in Norwich become busier, so do the schools - prompting the local council to announce the creation of three new primary schools in the area, Inandaroundnorwich.co.uk reported.

Demand for places from Norwich-based families has become so high that new schools will be created in Mile Cross, Sprowston and an undecided location in the southern part of the city.

Eveningnews24.co.uk revealed that councillors are in ongoing discussion with the County Hall to find a location for the third school. A council representative, cabinet member Alison Thomas, explained what the task would entail for the area.

"We need to plan early to make sure there are sufficient school places where they are needed, but this is a very challenging task as we need to be sure that this increased demand will continue before committing to build new schools."

She went on to say that in the busiest parts of Norwich, whereby demand for homes is steadily rising, the need for extra school spots "can be easier to predict". Thomas also made reference to the schools which have already agreed to take on more pupils, stating: "We are extremely grateful to head teachers and governors for recognising the impact on population growth, particularly in the Norwich area."

Thomas wasn't the only person to comment on the situation. The education spokeswoman for City Hall's Labour group, Sue Whitaker, suggested that as it had been obvious for some time that Norwich was becoming more popular, it seems odd that the council is only now taking action.

Posted 09-01-2012
Author: Deborah Bates