Consultation begins for expansion of north Leeds secondary school

Consultation begins today on the proposed expansion of Allerton Grange School, a project that would help meet the growing demand for secondary school places in north Leeds.

The proposal seeks to permanently increase the number of Year 7 places at the school from 240 to 300 from September 2021, requiring extra classroom space and other facilities to be built on the current school site to accommodate the increase in pupil numbers.

Since 2009, Leeds City Council has created over 12,000 extra primary school places across the city in response to rising birth rates, which hit a peak of 10,350 per year in 2012. In the Roundhay and Moortown areas, the dramatic increase in demand for more primary school places led to the expansions of Gledhow Primary School and Moor Allerton Hall Primary School.

These pupils are now entering secondary school, creating the need for additional secondary school places to meet future projected demand. The council is now giving those who have an interest the opportunity to have their say on the proposed expansion of Allerton Grange School.

The school will be hosting informal drop-in sessions to help engage residents and parents in the consultation process. Anyone with an interest in the proposals is encouraged to attend to find out more, ask questions and share their views. These sessions will be held at Allerton Grange School on 19 November, from 3.30pm to 5pm, and 26 November, from 4.30pm to 7pm.

An online survey can also be accessed until the consultation ends on 3 December 2019 and is available on the Leeds City Council website at: www.leeds.gov.uk/schoolplaceconsultations.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for learning, skills and employment said:

“We want to make Leeds the best city for children and young people to grow up in, and education has a key role to play in realising that ambition.

“Over the last ten years, we have seen a significant rise in demand for primary school places across our city and, as these children reach secondary school age, we now need to plan to ensure they can continue accessing the education that they are entitled to. This is where the Allerton Grange proposal comes in.

“We are excited to bring this proposal to local communities and are particularly keen to hear the views of interested parties so that they can inform the decision-making process. I would really encourage local residents, parents and other key stakeholders to contribute and make their voices heard.”

ENDS

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Leeds City Council press office, 0113 378 6007

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