York school set for £6 million expansion as demand for places goes up

A York school which is bursting at the seams could soon have a brand new £6 million extension – on the site of a neighbouring school.

The unique plan would see a £6.2 million annexe built for Scarcroft Primary School located at Millthorpe School.

York councillors will consider the proposal at a meeting of the executive on Thursday, January 28.

A rise in demand has led to the need to create additional primary school places in the Southbank area of the city.

To future-proof provision against forecast demand over the next ten years and beyond, a new building is proposed to provide 210 additional pupil places.

Discussed with local schools

Scarcroft Primary School currently admits 45 reception pupils a year. The annex would provide places for up to 75.

For the school year beginning in September 2017, additional pupil places could be temporarily accommodated within Scarcroft Primary until the additional spaces are created.

The new building proposed on Millthorpe School land will be sited in an area not currently used as play space.

If approved, the project is expected to be completed for 1 September 2018 and the cost will be met from central Government’s basic needs funding.

Public meeting set up

Jenny Brooks, executive member for education, children and young people, said the council had been exploring all viable options to meet the increased demand.

“With no more space to permanently accommodate additional local pupils at Scarcroft and Knavesmire, this proposal has been discussed with local schools and, if approved, aims to provide enough spaces in a high quality learning environment.”

Meanwhile, a public meeting has been called by ward councillors on Tuesday, January 26 at 6.30pm till 8pm in the Lower School Hall at Scarcroft Primary School.

Here residents can see the proposed plans, learn the background and aims, and ask questions.

Residents’ feedback will be shared with other elected members as part of the decision-making process.