Parents assured over ‘crisis’ in school places

Council bosses have assured parents in Sunderland that there will be enough secondary school places in the future.

The move follows a report out today which predicts a crisis in places for senior children in five years.

Almost half of local authorities across the country are at risk of being unable to meet rising demand for secondary school places, local government leaders have warned.

A report out today by the Local Government Association warns that more than 125,000 children face missing out on a secondary school place by 2022/23.

The LGA said councils urgently need to be given powers to force academies and free schools to expand if additional places are needed and a voluntary agreement cannot be reached.

Thenumberofpupilsneeding secondary school places in Sunderland is predicted to rise from 15,056 this academic year to 16,333 in 2022/23.

Coun Louise Farthing, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Parents and students can be assured that there is no shortfall of secondary school places in Sunderland. Significant investment in developing new housing at key sites across Sunderland could lead to a rise in future school numbers. However, we closely monitor school place provision need and remain constantly aware of any mounting pressures, so any potential shortfalls would be picked up and addressed long before they could impact on provision.”