TEMPORARY changes should help high schools cope with peak admissions.

Discussions took place today aimed at enabling four schools in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton to cope with an anticipated extra demand for places in two years time.

Wigan LEA successfully bid for an extra 150 places in 2002 and 2003 and should get an extra £942,000 to spend.

But because the clamour for places is expected to drop in 2004, the aim is to spend the money on improving school accommodation rather than creating permanent extensions.

Education chiefs are suggesting an extra 80 additional places, 20 per school, be created at Westleigh, Bedford, Hesketh Fletcher and Fred Longworth schools.

Figures would be increased to 170 (Westleigh), 260 (Bedford), 220 (Hesketh Fletcher) and 275 (Fred Longworth) then revert to current levels in 2004/5.

Now the education authority will discuss changes with the schools involved.

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