Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School
Expansion of Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School, Goosnargh Lane, Goosnargh, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2BN
As part of our duty to provide enough pupil places for Lancashire children, Lancashire County Council is proposing to start the process to expand Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School. The proposal would eventually lead to the provision of an additional 210 primary school places in the Goosnargh, Grimsargh and Longridge primary planning area.
Further information events November 2024
Following the consultation on the proposal and in recognition of the feedback received, further information events have been arranged.
Representatives from Lancashire County Council, Goosnargh Oliverson's CE and Blackburn Diocese will be in attendance to provide information and clarity on the consultation and to support the decision making process.
The events will take place on Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 6.30pm and Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 6.30pm at Goosnargh Village Hall Church Lane, Preston PR3 2BH.
Background
Increases in pupil numbers, as a result of increased birth rates in the local area, coupled with the effect of significant housing development, means the number of primary school places currently available in Goosnargh, Grimsargh and Longridge will not be enough to meet increased demand over the next few years.
On 5 September 2024, Lancashire County Council's Cabinet approved commencement of a public consultation on a proposal to permanently expand Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School. This would follow a temporary expansion in 2025/26. The proposal is part of a wider programme of delivery of additional primary places in Goosnargh, Grimsargh and Longridge from September 2026. The proposed expansion of Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School would eventually provide an additional 210 places, by admitting 30 additional pupils to each Reception Year with effect from September 2026.
The approval of the proposal to permanently expand Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School would help to address the projected shortfall of places and ensure so far as is reasonably possible that every child is provided with a school place in close proximity to their home.
School information and consultation so far
Lancashire County Council's pupil projections indicate a shortfall of primary school places in the Goosnargh, Grimsargh and Longridge primary planning area and identify a need for additional permanent places from September 2026.
In response to an increase in the Goosnargh, Grimsargh and Longridge birth rate, coupled with the effect of significant housing development in the area, expressions of interest were sought from all local schools in the area as part of a Basic Need consultation carried out in June 2022. Following this scoping exercise Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School, shared their expressions of interest to expand their school.
An appraisal process was carried out to consider the expansion proposals from schools interested in expansion and it was concluded that Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School offered an ideal location for school expansion to meet the shortfall in the area. The area of the existing school site is sufficient to allow for the proposed expansion of the building while still maintaining adequate play and sports spaces in line with Sports England requirements.
During this period academy trusts and diocese representatives were also consulted.
The estimated capital costs have not yet been drawn up as the project has not been committed to the design stage. The school are not being asked to contribute to the scheme.
Timescale
- September 2024 - Publication of Statutory Notice
- October 2024 - Representation
- To be confirmed - Final decision by Cabinet
- September 2026 - Implementation (if approved)
Consultation
The consultation for the proposed expansion of Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England primary School has now closed. All responses are currently being reviewed and will be carefully considered before cabinet makes a decision.
The consultation period took place between 16 September 2024 and 13 October 2024.
Background documents
Lancashire County Council Cabinet report 5 September 2024
Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School complete proposal