Doing the maths

According to estimates contained in the report to be presented to cabinet members next week, it is expected that Preston will be two forms - or classes - short of secondary school places by next year.

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That number falls short of the four forms of entry that Department for Education guidance says are required in order to make a new school financially viable.

However, the gap in Preston does rise close to that level, at 3.5 forms, just 12 months later, in the 2027/28 academic year - when it had previously been intended that the new school would open.

The report states that there is therefore "an immediate need to provide places through expansion of existing schools, whilst keeping the option of a new school available to us in the future, if required".