BRAMHOPE Primary School could be permanently expanded to take in more pupils under new plans.

If approved the proposal would see the school’s reception intake increase by 20 places each year from September, 2022.

The Collaborative Learning Trust - a Leeds-based multi academy trust that also includes Prince Henry’s Grammar School - has been working with Leeds City Council on the scheme.

A six week consultation has just begun and people can express their views at www.leeds.gov.uk/schoolplaceconsultations, where there are also details about the dates and times of community information sessions.

CEO of the Collaborative Learning Trust - and Prince Henry’s Grammar School Headteacher - Janet Sheriff - said: “Leeds City Council approached the Trust to see if trustees would support the expansion at Bramhope Primary School.

“This is because more primary school places are needed for the area - as shown by the need for a ‘bulge’ year at the school in September, 2020 and September, 2021.

“In addition, the construction of 330 new homes on Breary Lane, Bramhope is now underway. This new housing will generate the need for even more local school places.

“The Trust is keen to work with the council to meet the education needs of the community. The expansion of Bramhope, an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ school and one of the top ten primary schools in the city, will mean even more children will be able to benefit from the high quality education provision on offer.”

Bramhope Primary is an oversubscribed school. It received funding of £447,600 in June to help it make alterations, including to its Reception classroom and toilets, to accommodate an extra 20 pupils due to a higher than anticipated demand.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) is backing the permanent expansion move in principle though he is seeking some assurances.

He said: “I am proud of the school and what it has achieved particularly under the Headteacher, Rachel Colbourn, who has led it so well and built on the good foundations left by her predecessor.

“The issues that I would want satisfactory answers on would include the effect on Pool Primary School; as the councillor for all of the ward I want to be certain that one part is not significantly disadvantaged.

“I would also want answers from the council about the highways implications of any expansion and any effect it will have on local properties as I am working with residents, highways and the police to try and resolve current parking and road safety issues outside the school in particular, and Bramhope in general.

“I would also point out that Bramhope Primary, through a working group set up by the Chair of Governors, Fiona Wrightson, is working with us to come up with viable solutions.”

Cllr Anderson is also seeking more details about what the expansion would entail practically and its likely impact on the nearby medical centre which currently shares a car park with the school.

He added: “To summarise I am in favour of the expansion but I need the council to accept they will need to invest in Bramhope in general, not just the school, in order to come forward with mitigation measures.”