A PRIMARY school received £1.2m from the Government to double its number of pupils but needs a total of about £4m.

The 271-pupil St Francis Primary School in Taw Hill plans to add another seven classrooms and a children’s centre.

But the Church of England school hopes Swindon Council will make up the shortfall.

The school’s planned expansion is necessary to cope with the rising number of children needing school places in North Swindon.

Cabinet member for Children's Services Garry Perkins said: “The council still needs to find the other two thirds. The school has worked well with the LEA to accomodate the extra children. We want to make it a permanent two-form entry.”

Headteacher Clive Westall said: “The money is a key stepping stone to enable St Francis to become a two-form entry school. But we need the local authority to add to that money so we can move forward. The council has been working hard with us, along with the diocese.”

It is hoped the building work will be completed by 2011.

“We are working with the council to address the lack of places,” said Mr Westall.

“Also, as a church school we provide a different option for parents. Some parents want to send their children to a church school and we are the only one in northwest Swindon.”

The school already introduced another reception class in September.

“This money will help make this a permanent arrangement,” said Mr Westall. “We are already a successful school and have had a really good Ofsted.”

Chair of governors Karen Silverster said: “This is the start of a long process.”

The primary opened in 2004 with 100 pupils. The school received a grade 2 (good) rating from Ofsted in 2005.

Jim Knight, Minister for Schools and Learners said: “I am delighted that St Francis Primary School has successfully bid for £1.2m to expand this popular school.

“The funding is being provided through the Standards and Diversity Targeted Capital Fund which provides support for improvement in standards and to increase parental choice and diversity of school provision across the system.

“So far £100m has been provided through this programme across the country.”