City of Wolverhampton Council is spending at least £2 million to create more than 200 new pupil places across four schools, responding to increasing demand for school places in the area. The new places will be available from the start of the new academic year in September.
Schools Benefiting from the Expansion
The additional places will be allocated to Morteon School in Bushbury, Aldersley High School, St Matthias School in Deansfield, and Bilston CE Primary School. The council has secured agreements with Amethyst Academies Trust for a combined £1.725 million to fund expansions at Moreton School and Aldersley High School.
At Moreton School in Old Fallings Lane, Bushbury, 90 new places will be created, including an additional Year 7 bulge class of 30 places, plus 30 extra places in both Years 8 and 9. Aldersley High School in Barnhurst Lane, Codsall, will gain 70 new places, with a Year 7 bulge class of 30 and 20 additional places in Years 8 and 9.
Infrastructure Improvements
Aldersley High School is already undertaking extension work to its sports hall to create new changing areas and additional learning space. The school’s gym and dance studio will be relocated to provide extra classrooms, and changes around the IT department will free up more space.
St Matthias School in Deansfield will receive 15 extra places without any capital funding, and the council will hold further talks regarding future demand and capacity.
Bilston CE Primary School Expansion
Bilston CE Primary School, described by the council as a “very popular parental preference,” will receive £150,000 to create an additional 30 places. The school traditionally caters for up to 60 pupils per year group but currently has 30-pupil bulge classes in Years 4 and 6. The work includes reconfiguring a classroom for a different age group, refurbishing toilets, and installing new fences.
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “We are committed to ensuring every child in Wolverhampton has access to a quality school place. These investments reflect our response to rising demand and the popularity of our schools.”
