Proposal to increase the capacity of Willowbank Primary School, Cullompton.

UPDATE: The Regional Schools Commissioner has approved an increase in capacity at Willowbank Primary School, Cullompton, from 386 pupils to 416.

The First Federation Trust would like to hear your views on the proposal to increase the capacity of Willowbank Primary School.

Willowbank Primary School currently has capacity for 386 pupils and The First Federation Trust, in partnership with Devon County Council, is proposing to increase the capacity of the school by adding a further classroom. This will give a final overall capacity of 416 places at Willowbank School enabling a two form entry to support numbers in the town as it continues to grow.

To accommodate the increased number of places, it is proposed that add an additional classroom, funded by Devon County Council, is added to the school site. The works will provide additional teaching accommodation to enable more children to attend the school and in the long term, when full, the ability to teach in single age groups.

Reason for proposal
Devon County Council has identified that there is a need for additional pupil places in the Cullompton area and proposes that Willowbank expands to provide an additional 30 places. The First Federation Trust has worked with DCC to ensure that they are committed to expanding the provision where possible to meet demands in the area and capital funding has been identified.

The consultation
The purpose of this consultation is to seek the view of all stakeholders on the principle of increasing the school capacity to create a two form entry school and ensure there are sufficient primary school places in the Cullompton area.

The consultation will run from 12th May 2021 to 16th June 2021.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and ensuring public safety, unfortunately we are unable to hold a public drop-in event at the school. However, please send in your views and queries by email to consultation@willowbank.devon.sch.uk

If you would like to speak to an officer then please make that request by email, briefly outlining your query so we can arrange a mutually convenient time for you to speak to an appropriate officer, either via conference call or telephone. If you are unable to email or visit the above website and wish to make a comment then please write to Carol Chapman, Chief Operating Officer, c/o Willowbank Primary School, Manitoba Gardens, Cullompton. EX15 1EZ by 16th June 2021