Baby boom is primary concern

THE former Grange SChool - set to become a much-needed primary

THE former Grange School site — currently being used by Oldham College — will become a new primary school in council plans to cope with Oldham’s increasing population.

There will be a demand for another 140 reception-year places in the borough by 2017-18 following years of rising birth rates and families moving into new housing developments.

One school in Failsworth or Hollinwood and one or two schools in Saddleworth and Lees will also be expanded under the plans, providing 140-165 new primary places with the new Rochdale Road development.

This would take school provision across the borough from 3,515 places to up to 3,680 per year group and accommodate a small surplus of places to deal with fluctuations.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet member for education, employment and skills, said: “This will see a substantial investment in Oldham’s primary schools and is excellent news for education in the borough.”