"Kingston may need new Primary School"

12th May 2008

Following meetings with local parents on the shortage of primary school places in Kingston for September 2008, local MP, Edward Davey, is urging the Council to consider all options for future planning, including a new primary school.

Edward Davey's main focus currently is doing all he can to help local parents anxious about a school place for September 2008.

Last Thursday he met with a large group of parents to update them on information he had received from the Council, to listen to their concerns and to pass on their remaining questions to Kingston Council. The Council has guaranteed they will offer every child a school place and are actively liaising with schools on where any extra classes can be provided.

However, Kingston and Surbiton's Liberal Democrat MP is also concerned for September 2009 and beyond. He wants Kingston Council to reassure all parents with children under 5 that sufficient provision will be there in future years.

Edward Davey commented:

"Many families move to Kingston because our primary schools are so good, so it's especially frustrating when they have problems getting places for their children.

"While the immediate priority is to sort places for this September, it's crucial the Council think further ahead - to September 2009 and beyond. I am increasing convinced that this year is not a "blip" and that there's a trend emerging of more primary school age children locally. The Council must analyse this properly.

"I will be meeting the Council to find out how they intend to cope with this baby boom. Whether it's expanding existing schools or building a brand new primary, planning needs to begin as soon as possible.

"If a new primary is needed, we need to work out where it could go. Personally, I'd like to see the option of the old MAFF site at Tolworth considered, as a new school would be vastly preferable to a Tescos. However, such a critical decision needs proper analysis and consultation."