Chichester school could double in pupil size by 2020

Parklands Primary School in Durnford Close could be set to start work this summer to build a two-storey extension.

If approved by Chichester District Council, which is in consultation with West Sussex County Council, the work will see an extension built to the south-west of the current main building on the existing hard play area.

The proposed building will consist of eight additional classrooms – two of which will be allocated to special educational needs – a small hall, community room, staff areas and ancillary spaces.

There are currently 210 pupils enrolled in the school, however, after the potential work is completed it will be able to accommodate 420.

Headteacher Alesa Henham said: “The governing body sees this as a positive opportunity to offer more places to children in the area.

“The school is well placed to meet the demands of additional places and future expansion, whilst maintaining the high quality education currently being delivered for all pupils.

“Our temporary accommodation will be removed once the new building extension is in place and we look forward to using our new community facilities to enhance our links with the local area.

Ms Henham added: “The whole school community is looking forward to the next chapter for Parklands – with a new learning environment which will enhance the education for every pupil in our care.

“We are all excited about the proposed changes ahead of us.”

The planned work is expected to be completed by September 2017, with the school reaching full capacity by 2020.

Parklands Primary installed the temporary buildings to meet the immediate demand for teaching accommodation.

Once removed, the building space will be used for a new hard play area for the children.

The existing car park could also be extended to accommodate the additional staff and provide a drop off/collection zone for parents.

Chichester City Council found no objections to the application at its meeting last week.