TEN new classrooms are set be built at a primary school to meet the needs of hundreds of homes being built in the area.

Grove CE Primary School has already seen pupil numbers grow from 152 to 203 in just over a year.

In addition to new classrooms, the school will change from a one form of entry (one class per year group) to a two form of entry (two classes per year group), in order to accommodate additional pupils from the Monks Farm and other surrounding developments.

A design process is underway with a planning application for the school expansion expected to be submitted next year.

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Jean Holderness, chair of governors at Grove CE Primary, said the expansion is ‘an exciting part of the school’s future vision’.

She said: “Grove CE Primary has grown by 30 per cent in pupil numbers over the last two years as the school has continued to improve its educational provision.

“This new building project will provide a much-needed, modern and purpose-built environment.

“It will enable us to meet both the needs of our expanding catchment and our ambitious plans to build on our current high standards and achievements.

“We have been looking forward to the development of our school and see this project as an exciting part of our future vision for our community.”

Ten new classrooms will be constructed under the proposals, three of which are to replace current temporary classrooms.

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The 63-acre site at Monks Farm was sold to David Wilson Homes Southern and received planning permission earlier this year.

The sale was assisted by L&Q Estates and Gleeson Land.

Ian Hardwick, managing director at L&Q Estates, said the expansion will mean more children in the area will be able to go to their nearest school.

He said: “We are delighted to have been part of the promotion and disposal of this site to David Wilson Homes, to create a further 400 homes.

“This will not only provide much-needed housing but will also secure the extension to Grove Church of England Primary School to enable more children living in the area to go to their nearest school.

“Our ethos is focused on creating communities, and adding further capacity to this primary school will help to give the community the facilities they need to grow and enjoy living in the area.”

Grove CE Primary is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust with the buildings project in partnership with the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education.