Councillors back £2.2million school expansion plans in East Staffordshire
Members of Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet approved the use of the developer contributions
Plans to expand an East Staffordshire school to provide 120 extra places have been backed by senior county councillors.
More than £2.2m, which has come from developers who have received planning permission for new homes in the Uttoxeter area, will be used to fund the proposed expansion at Thomas Alleyne’s High School.
Members of Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet approved the use of the developer contributions, known as Section 106 funding, at their meeting on Wednesday (September 17).
The expansion is set to provide 90 extra places for pupils in Years Nine to 11 and 30 more Sixth Form spaces.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) told fellow cabinet members on Wednesday that Uttoxeter Rural representative Councillor Gary Hales was fully supportive of the proposed school expansion.
"Positive step"
She added: “He believes it is a positive step to meet the evolving needs of pupils both now and in the future.
“We want every child to have the opportunity to learn in a local school and we have a duty to ensure there are sufficient school places to cope with increasing demand.
"With new housing developments in the local area, we must plan for the future and ensure Thomas Alleyne’s High School can accommodate more young people.
“This extension will not only allow the school to expand by 120 pupils but also enhance the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education facilities so more pupils will be able to learn in a modern, high-tech environment, that will help set them up for a bright future.”