A consultation is now underway on proposed expansions for two Lancashire schools.

The consultation is live and people are encouraged to comment on the proposed expansions at Longridge High School in the Ribble Valley and Lea Community Primary School in Preston. 

The school expansion at Longridge High School would see the school admitting 30 additional pupils to each new year 7 group with effect from September 2024.

This followed the school exceeding its Published Admission Number by 30 places in 2023/24 via a temporary expansion within existing accommodation.

The school would, over time, provide an additional 225 secondary school places which are needed to accommodate rising pupil numbers as a result of housing development in the area and an increase in the birth rate.

The school expansion at Lea Community Primary School would see the school admitting 30 additional pupils to each reception year with effect from September 2024.

This followed the school exceeding its Published Admission Number by 30 places in 2023/24 via a temporary expansion within existing accommodation.

The school would, over time, provide an additional 210 primary school places which are needed to accommodate rising pupil numbers as a result of housing development in the area and an increase in the birth rate.

Cabinet member for education and skills, County Councillor Jayne Rear, said: "The county council is responsible for making sure that we have enough high-quality school places available to meet demand.

"Housing developments, plus an increase in the birth rate, means we need to consider how further primary and secondary places could be provided. 

"Both schools are popular schools and all school expansions are considered carefully against consistent criteria, this includes aspects such as: how the expansion will support improved outcomes for children and young people, particularly the most vulnerable.

"Having applied these criteria to these proposals, I feel this is consistent with our council priorities for school expansion.

"I am really keen that people take part in these consultations and share their views about the proposals."

The consultation started on Monday November 14 and runs until 5pm on Sunday, December 11.

For further information about the proposals please visit the Lancashire County Council website under the heading 'School Place Provision Planning'.

You can have your say on these proposals via the online survey or by email to schoolexpansionproposal@lancashire.gov.uk.