Two more primaries expand as Lewisham struggles for school places (From News Shopper)

Two more primaries expand as Lewisham struggles for school places

2:00pm Sunday 19th February 2012 in Politics By Mark Chandler

LEWISHAM will consult on expanding two more primary schools as it struggles to keep up with a rising birthrate.

Adamsrill Primary is set to expand from two to three forms of entry while St Bartholomew’s could increase from one-and-a-half to two if the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education approves.

The Sydenham pair are just the latest schools to be expanded using so-called ‘bulge’, temporary, classrooms in the borough.

Lewisham Council has adopted the practice for several years but officers say there is still a struggle for places, with the Lee Green area a particular worry, and around 20 new classes required for next summer.

Cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Helen Klier told a meeting last week: “We can’t go on with bulge classes. We’re running out of space in playgrounds.”