DETAILS have emerged of several bids to open new schools in Swindon over the next few years.

Last month, Swindon Borough Council revealed there will need to be more than a dozen new primary schools built in the next decade to cope with the increase in population.

The government has made it clear the only way to secure a new facility is through the free-school system.

This sees an organisation which wants to run a school apply to the government for funding, with the latest round of bidding shutting earlier this month.

In a report set to go before cabinet next week, it states there have been four free school applications submitted during the recently closed wave.

The Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust is behind two of the bids, which comes a year after successfully applying to open a secondary school in Wichelstowe.

One of these bids is for Church of England primary school and nursery located in Middle Wichel required as part of the new housing development, which will be partnered with St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Purton.

The second is also a C of E primary and will form part of the Eastern Village Development.

Uplands School has applied to open the Brunel Free School, which will provide an education for autistic pupils aged between 11 and 19 living in the Swindon area.

SchoolsCompany have also applied to open a 50-place school for 11 to 16 years olds offering a skill based curriculum and therapeutic services as an alternative pathway to mainstream education.

Recognising the need to find so many places in a comparatively short period of time, the council held an engagement session with 40 school providers in November to gauge interest in Swindon.

Speaking last month, Councillor Fionuala Foley (Con, Chiseldon and Lawn), the cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It was a very productive event with a positive outcome.

"We know what is needed so it is about getting ahead and showing what Swindon has to offer.

"We showed them the education strategy for Swindon which many were impressed by."

She accepts finding the places is challenge but says early planning means they are ahead.

"We will do it because we have to. We are legally obliged to provide school places so we will do it,” said Coun Foley

"Swindon has a good record of making sure we have the places so it will happen.

"When you look at the developments, they have space for schools."