THE capacity at an ‘Outstanding’ primary school could be doubled under new proposals by Essex County Council.

A second consultation was launched on Home Farm Primary School, in Lexden, giving people until December 14 to lodge their views.

The proposal to enlarge the premises will take effect on a phased basis from September 2018, bringing capacity up to 420.

Headteacher Richard Potter said: “As one of, if not the, fastest growing towns in the country, Colchester needs new school places and a number of single-form entry primaries, who have the land, are expanding.

“The impact on the school is largely very positive.

“The small, and ever decreasing budget, of a small school is a disabling barrier to sustained excellent provision.

“A larger school will allow better economy of scale and the ability to better meet the needs of Colchester’s children in the long term.”

Over the next decade, Colchester is forecasted to need 2,541 new primary and 2,615 secondary places.

Both Braiswick Primary School and Camulos Academy were opened for this reason.

When the consultation first launched in December 2016, five schools were mooted including Stanway Fiveways Primary School, Stanway Primary School, St. Michael’s Primary School and Unity Academy.

As part of the plans new teaching blocks will be created as well as car parking and outdoor areas should be improved.

Mr Potter said: “As more and more families enter our catchment, it’s only right to be able to have the sized school that allows them to attend a local school with a broad and highly-rated curriculum.”

By 2018, it is anticipated Colchester will need up to 155 extra Reception places with a growing deficit until 2021/22, taking into account new housing.

Thirty additional Reception children would be able to enrol at Home Farm each year should the expansion go ahead, which has the full support of its governors.

Mr Potter added: “We’re expanding from one to two forms of entry.

“This will double the size of the school and is part of an Essex strategy to ensure there are enough school places in Colchester to meet both the sharply rising demand from new homes being built, and the influx of families into areas already populated, but experiencing an increase in the rental market.”

  • To take part, click here or email school.organisation@essex.gov.uk.
  • Alternatively, post your comments to: Director, Education, c/o School Organisation, Infrastructure and Environment, Capital Investment and Delivery, Essex County Council, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1GS.