Extensions to five schools approved as rolls increase

Primary school rolls have seen a five per cent increase this year and are expected to grow by a further 19 per cent by 2019, as immigration and birth rates continue to climb.

Councillors on the education, children and families committee approved plans to provide new accommodation at Balgreen, Granton, Trinity, Victoria and Wardie primary schools.

They said the five primaries needed extensions to ensure places are provided for catchment pupils.

However, the plans were attacked by opposition leaders, who said an earlier decision to close seven primaries left the council with few options.

A final decision regarding the necessity for the provision will be taken in January next year after pupil registration figures are assessed.