Cabinet to hear plans for thousands of new school places in Norfolk

More than a dozen new primary schools could be needed in Norfolk in the next decade, to cater for growing pupil numbers in areas of development.

A report to Norfolk County Council's Cabinet highlighted the scale of school development that is likely to be needed to support Norfolk's growing communities. It addresses both demographic changes and population growth from new housing.

The report, discussed by members yesterday Monday 31 January, provides a snapshot of the council's plans to ensure there are sufficient school places for Norfolk children aged four to 16.

Alongside district councils, the county council expects to secure nearly £100m in developer contributions for the proposed new and extended schools but if all of the places are needed, a further £191m would need to be found.

Some of this will be met by Community Infrastructure Levy and government grant contributions.

Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, said: "As a council we've secured thousands of new school places in the last decade, with state-of-the-art schools already open in many of our growing communities.

"We want all children to have access to a good education near to their homes, so we will continue to work with our district council colleagues to secure land and funding for school places, as more communities grow."

New schools could be built and opened in Wymondham and Cringleford by 2024, with further primary schools likely to be needed later in Thetford, Attleborough, Bradwell, West Winch, North Runcton, Blofield, Poringland, Long Stratton and Hellesdon. A new secondary school and primary provision is also likely to be needed in the north Norwich growth triangle (Sprowston, Old Catton and Rackheath).

Expansion of existing schools is also likely in areas of growth, as part of the county council's responsibility to ensure there are sufficient school places in the county. Moving or rebuilding existing schools is also being considered in some parts of the county.