Home / Education / Primary School Wins Appeal to Admit More Students
Primary School Wins Appeal to Admit More Students
20 Nov
Summary
- The Heights Primary School can now admit more pupils.
- Council rejected the expansion plan over sustainability fears.
- Planning Inspectorate overturned the council's decision.
The Heights Primary School in Caversham, Reading, has secured permission to expand its pupil capacity following a successful appeal. The school, which was graded outstanding by Ofsted in 2017, had applied to increase its student roll from 350 to 420.
Reading councillors previously denied the application in December 2024, expressing worries that admitting more students could jeopardize the viability of other local schools. However, the Planning Inspectorate has now ruled in favor of the school's appeal, determining that the expansion does not contravene any official planning policies.
Headteacher Hayley Harrison celebrated the decision, emphasizing that the increased provision would greatly benefit local families by offering more educational choices. The school's latest Ofsted report from October 2024 highlighted its "high aspirations for all pupils" and a strong focus on student learning.
