Three separate consultations on the potential expansion of schools in Haringey have been launched this week. Including the opening of a further reception class at Bounds Green School

Parents, teachers, local residents and other key stakeholders are being asked for their views on plans to expand three primary schools: Bounds Green Infant and Junior School, St James C of E in Muswell Hill and St Mary’s C of E in Hornsey.

The consultations, which will run until 24 October, will ask people what they think the advantages or disadvantages of the proposed school expansions are. The responses gathered will be used to inform councillors in a decision of whether or not to take the plans forward to the statutory stage.

Like many London boroughs Haringey faces a growing demand for school places. The council’s pupil projection calculations have shown that if school capacity is not increased demand for reception places will exceed availability by 310 places in 2024/25.

With councils currently unable to open new community schools themselves, exploring possibilities for expansion is one of the only options open to local authorities wanting to provide new places.

In the last ten years the number of children requiring reception places at Haringey schools has already grown by over 300. So far this increase in demand has been met through by the addition of one-off ‘bulge’ classes to schools. However the council is keen to find a permanent and sustainable solution that will meet the projected shortfall.

If all the Bounds Green expansions were to go ahead the intake would be increased from two forms of entry (60 children) to three forms of entry (90 children) per year.

This would mean that, in the first year of expansion, only in the reception year of each school would receive an additional form. Because the expansions would be phased year-on-year, pupils currently at schools would at no stage see their year group enlarged.

• Public meetings will be held on Thursday 2 October at 9.15am and 6.15pm to enable all those who wish to do so to present their views. The meetings will be held at:

  • Bounds Green Infant and Junior School
    Bounds Green Road
    N11 2QG
• Download the full backround document on Bounds Green expansion proposals
• More information about the consultations, including details of how to respond, can be found on theLB Haringey school expansion consultation pages