Council Responds to Growth with £5M School Infrastructure Boost

Proactive Investment in Education: Two Local Schools to Expand

Gloucestershire County Council has sanctioned a grant of approximately £8 million to facilitate expansion projects at Severnbanks Primary School in Lydney and Henley Bank High School in Brockworth. The initiative is intended to create more than 380 additional student places, addressing the increasing demand for educational provision resulting from ongoing housing developments and population growth in the region.

It was indicated by council representatives that the funding comprises a combination of developer contributions and unallocated government grants. Severnbanks Primary School is set to receive approximately £5.16 million, which will be allocated towards the construction of six new classrooms, enhanced catering facilities, and an expanded administrative area. This development is expected to increase the school’s capacity by one form of entry, thereby accommodating an additional 210 pupils, including 27 in early years education.

Henley Bank High School will benefit from an investment of £2.68 million, which will support the construction of a two-storey teaching block. The new facility is projected to include six classrooms, a sixth form study area, and upgraded kitchen and servery provisions. The expansion is anticipated to provide 150 additional places for students aged 11 to 16, with construction scheduled to commence in autumn 2025 and conclude by summer 2026.

Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, conveyed that the council’s decision was guided by a forward-looking strategy rather than a reactive stance. She reportedly clarified that the funding was not being expended unnecessarily but was part of a deliberate effort to align educational infrastructure with residential development. It was further noted that the financial resources were sourced responsibly, ensuring that public funds were not misused. Council officials reiterated that the expansion projects form part of Gloucestershire’s broader School Places Strategy, which aims to ensure that all children within the county have access to high-quality education in well-equipped local schools. The council’s approval reflects a strategic commitment to meeting future educational needs through timely and responsible investment.

Editor’s Note:

The recent approval of nearly £8 million in funding by Gloucestershire County Council underscores a critical and commendable commitment to proactive educational planning. As communities expand and demographic pressures intensify, the need for timely investment in school infrastructure becomes paramount. This initiative, targeting Severnbanks Primary School and Henley Bank High School, not only addresses immediate capacity concerns but also reflects a strategic vision for sustainable growth. By aligning educational development with housing expansion, the council demonstrates foresight in ensuring that every child has access to quality learning environments. The use of developer contributions and targeted grants further highlights a responsible approach to public resource management. This decision sets a constructive precedent for how local authorities can balance infrastructure demands with long-term community welfare.

Skoobuzz observes that these expansion projects go beyond simply adding more classrooms; they reflect a wider commitment to making education central to the region’s growth. By investing in schools, the local council is reinforcing the idea that strong educational infrastructure is key to building thriving communities.