Extension For Wimbledon Chase School

---

Much-needed room for more pupils

A £4.8 million extension has been opened at Wimbledon Chase Primary School to allow it to take an extra 210 pupils.

Opened by choreographer and former pupil, Akram Khan, the extension will bring grow the school's size to 630 children, plus a nursery.

Merton Borough Council has been under pressure to find extra primary school places as the borough's birth rate has increased by 39% since 2002.

Eighteen schools in Merton have taken on an extra class over the past three years

Merton Abbey School's governing body last week agreed to provide an additional reception class to accommodate an increased number of Merton children starting school this year.

The 210-pupil school has also agreed to provide an additional class for children starting reception in September 2012.  In the short-term, the so-called bulge class will allow for an extra 30 children this year.

The council is making plans to provide the school with a modern double classroom block, ready for occupation by the end of November.

Looking to the longer-term future of the school, the governing body has also agreed to work with Merton Council to assess the feasibility of permanent expansion, which would mean permanent new buildings for the school.

Cabinet member for education, Councillor Peter Walker said: "We believe in providing our young people with a quality education close to their home. These new facilities will also give our young people the opportunity to learn in a first-class learning environment."

September 27, 2011