Funding Approved For New Bournemouth School

18 December 2013, 13:13 | Updated: 18 December 2013, 13:18

Funding for a new primary school on the site of Avonbourne College has been approved by councillors at Cabinet on Wednesday 18 December 2013.

Councillors have agreed to spend £6.7million on building a new 420-place primary school called ‘Avonwood’.

If planning permission is granted, it could be opened by September 2014.

The new primary school would have 60 reception class places and 28 nursery places. 

Councillor Nicola Greene, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: 

“We are experiencing an increasing demand for primary school places across the borough, and in particular in the South East and central parts of the borough. At the same time we have a legal duty to provide enough school places and so this presents us with a huge challenge. 

“We are working closely with the school to help develop the detailed plans for the new school site. The proposals are still subject to planning permission and I would encourage local residents to view the plans and take the opportunity to give their feedback through the usual planning process.” 

Executive headteacher of Avonbourne Trust, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, said: 

"We are very excited about our plans to provide much needed primary school places for our local children. 

"We are currently consulting people on the proposals for the new building and would very much welcome the views of the community before we submit a planning application in February next year. 

"Subject to planning permission, building would commence in the summer. A planning application for a temporary building will be submitted shortly to enable us to provide education facilities for our first intake of Reception and nursery children next September." 

Cabinet approved the proposal of a new primary school on the school site on 29 May 2013.