Proposal for expansion of two Bognor primary schools

The schools in question are the Edward Bryant Primary School Academy and Downview Primary School.

The expansion plans are for a greater than 25 per cent pupil increase on the schools’ current capacities.

The expansion of Downview would also cater for extra pupils as a result of the development of 770 homes in Flansham.

If the proposals go ahead, buildings at the schools will be extended with additional classrooms and some internal remodelling taking place.

Both schools currently offer 420 places in total; it is proposed to expand both schools by offering 90 places per school year.

The county council has identified £4.5m of capital investment for Edward Bryant. It is estimated the project at Downview will cost £3m, but the detailed budget is still to be identified.

The works are planned with a view to opening in 2014 at Edward Bryant and 2015 at Downview.

Initially a public consultation is taking place until October 19, then the county council cabinet member for education and schools, Peter Griffiths, will decide whether to publish statutory notices in local newspapers so comments can be made over a further four weeks.

If Mr Griffiths decides to proceed, the statutory notices are expected to be published in November and a final decision taken in December.

Details of the consultations can be found on the ‘Have Your Say’ pages of the county council website at westsussex.gov.uk