HAMPSHIRE civic chiefs are poised to spend almost £13 million to create hundreds of school places in Whiteley, Fareham.

Cllr Roz Chadd, county council executive member for education and skills, will consider proposals to build Cornerstone Church of England (Aided) Primary – a new school that would provide places for children from the age of 4 (entering Reception Year) through to age 11 (Year 6).

Cllr Chadd said: “Following a recent initial briefing, I look forward to seeing the full proposal which will detail the rationale, scale and scope of the scheme. I am fully aware that there is ongoing and extensive housing development in Whiteley and with that, more families moving in to the area."

She continued: “I am also clear about the County Council’s duty to ensure that, as far as possible, we can provide a school place for children near to where they live. We have a good track record in this, thanks to the extensive forecasting and planning work carried out by the Council.

“I am confident that the future for education in Hampshire continues to be bright. The quality of education in this county never ceases to impress me – consistently results at all ages are above the national average and over 90% of Hampshire schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. When I visit schools around the county, I can clearly see why. Pupils are as enthusiastic about learning as teachers are about teaching. It is also good to hear schools’ appreciation of the support that they get from the County Council’s many services.

“I have been equally struck by Hampshire’s school environments. Over the past months I have had the pleasure of seeing the completion of a brand new school, as well as a number of school expansions. The standard and quality of the buildings internally and externally and the outdoor sports and other outdoor learning spaces is second to none and recognition should go to our award winning Property Services Team for the role they play in that.”

Cllr Chadd will be considering the report and making a decision at the Executive Member for Education and Skills Decision Day – a meeting which is open to the public and will take place on November 20.