A CONSULTATION has been launched as Lewisham struggles to cope with a surge in demand for primary school places.

In the borough’s reception classes alone there are currently 3,376 pupils, but this is expected to grow to 3,690 in the next academic year, reaching a high of 3,855 in 2012/13.

High birth rates mean Lewisham Council expects another 480 primary places could be required in the next decade.

Long-term plans, which would come into effect next September, have been drawn up, including creating all-age schools at Lee’s Trinity School and Prendergast Ladywell Fields College.

Elsewhere, the former Watergate School in Lewisham and the New Cross Mornington Centre could be used as annexes for existing schools to take on more children.

Forest Hill’s Kilmorie Primary could double its provision while Coopers Lane in Grove Park may take on an extra 30 pupils.

In the meantime, six schools have already agreed to take on extra “bulge” classes in temporary buildings next summer, and discussions are underway with others.

Lewisham’s cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Helen Klier said: “I think we’ve managed very well.

“We’ve provided enough places for the children this year and I’m confident we’ll have sufficient classes for September 2011.

Results of the consultations are expected in March.

But Councillor Jenni Clutten from Lewisham Lib Dems said: “They should have seen this coming much sooner.

“They’ve been responding in an emergency fashion rather than putting in strategic plans.

“We’d like to see a more long-term approach from now on.”

Lewisham NUT branch secretary Martin Powell-Davies said: "We're glad that some concrete proposals are being put forward. The union have been warning for some time that there's a huge problem.

"The specific details now need to be examined carefully."