Kirklees to spend £12m on new classrooms as rising demand for places continues

The money will go on new accommodation and the replacement of run-down temporary classrooms at several sites.

The council’s Cabinet committee have approved the following:

An additional 105 places and three new classrooms, toilets and play area at Ashbrow School, Huddersfield.

The creation of 120 new places at Birkby Junior school, Huddersfield and a new building.

Support for an additional 210 places at Reinwood Infant and Nursery School/Reinwood Junior School. Expansion will mean seven more classrooms, assembly halls, dining facilities, small group rooms, toilets and staff facilities. Outdoor facilities may also need improving.

The creation of 210 placed at Boothroyd Junior and Infant school. Two more classrooms are needed. The councils says remaining work will need to be delivered by the school or its sponsor as it converted to academy status on October 1.

A new one-classroom new-build extension at Headlands CE (VC) Junior, Infant and Nursery School to create 35 extra spaces.

The replacement of temporary classrooms nearing the end of their life has been approved for: Earlsheaton Infant School; Brownhill Infant School; Ravensthorpe Infant and Nursery School and Scissett Middle School.

A council spokesman said: “The council is continuing to work in close partnership with local schools to identify solutions that will meet the growing demand for school places in certain areas of Kirklees.

“In addition to the current round of investment, work is already under way to meet further demand for places. It is likely that more proposals will be put forward within the next few months.”

Meanwhile, consultation will take place on possible changes at Royds Hall High School, Huddersfield.

Due to the growing demand for primary places, the council is proposing to extend the age range of Royds Hall and create an ‘all-through’ school for children aged four to 16.

Consultation will also take place on proposals to bring together Denby Dale Nursery School and Gilthwaites First School on a single site, for children from two to 10.