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Overcrowded primary schools to get 'bulge' classes

Pupils will be taught in temporary mobile classrooms as part of a £15 million scheme to revolutionise Wolverhampton's bulging school system, it can be revealed today.

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Nine schools are to be expanded, with the number of classes increasing as education chiefs look to cope with the city's increasing population.

Demand for places has shot up 26 per cent in 10 years. Now, controversial 'bulge' classes, which see schools temporarily create space for extra pupils, will be introduced.

Other options could see different year groups taught in the same classroom, infant and junior schools merging and more sponsored academies being introduced as chiefs draw up a huge overhaul to cope with a surge in birth rates.

The programme, which comes into force next summer, will see intake numbers double at five schools – Bushbury Hill, Loxdale, St Martin's CofE, Stowlawn and West Park primary – through bulge classes for one year only as numbers peak in September 2015.

Eastfield, Bilston CofE and Manor primary schools, as well as Westacre Infants, will see their intakes permanently expanded. That could see schools get extra permanent buildings, including at Bilston CofE.

The latest move comes on top of ninety additional reception class places, which are already being introduced this September.

Bulge classes have proved controversial elsewhere in the country because they involve the use of temporary classrooms, but education chief Councillor Phil Page said the measures were necessary.

"The council has a legal responsibility to do this," he said. "At one time the population of Wolverhampton was declining and a number of schools closed.

"Now that decline has stopped and it's gone the opposite way. Class sizes will still be no larger than 30. The temporary classrooms are state-of-the-art."

A report, to go before a children and young people's working group at Wolverhampton City Council, states: "Feasibility work has yet to be undertaken but the costs for the programme are estimated at £10-£15m."

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