A DECISION on plans to build a £13m school offering hundreds of places is set to be made later this month.

Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council's executive member for education and skills, will consider proposals to construct Cornerstone Church of England (Aided) Primary at Whiteley, near Fareham.

If approved the school will provide places for children aged between four and 11.

Cllr Chadd said: “I look forward to seeing the full proposal which will detail the rationale, scale and scope of the scheme.

"I am fully aware that there is ongoing and extensive housing development in Whiteley and with that, more families moving in to the area.

Daily Echo:

“I am also clear about the county council’s duty to ensure that, as far as possible, we can provide a school place for children near to where they live.

"We have a good track record in this, thanks to the extensive forecasting and planning work carried out by the council.

“I am confident that the future for education in Hampshire continues to be bright.

"The quality of education in this county never ceases to impress me – consistently results at all ages are above the national average and over 90% of Hampshire schools are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

"When I visit schools around the county, I can clearly see why.

"Pupils are as enthusiastic about learning as teachers are about teaching. It is also good to hear schools’ appreciation of the support that they get from the county council’s many services.

“I have been equally struck by Hampshire’s school environments.

"Over the past months I have had the pleasure of seeing the completion of a brand new school, as well as a number of school expansions.

"The standard and quality of the buildings internally and externally and the outdoor sports and other outdoor learning spaces is second to none and recognition should go to our award winning Property Services Team for the role they play in that.”

Cllr Chadd will consider the Whiteley scheme on November 20. The meeting is open to the public.