AN ‘outstanding’ primary school in Appleton Thorn has places to spare due to a low birth rate which means that they are not full for the first time in five years.

Appleton Thorn Primary School was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors and named as one of the top 200 schools in the country but 2016 is the first year they have not been able to fill all school places for September.

Head teacher Craig Burgess said that a low birth rate in south Warrington and the end of the feeder school policy, which meant pupils from certain primary schools were given priority when applying for certain secondary schools, has caused the decrease in applications.

Appleton Thorn had feeder status with Bridgewater High.

He said: “The school has been oversubscribed for a number of years and we are concerned that parents are not aware that there are a number of spaces now.

“We are a welcoming school with a really good reputation and a village school ethos – the children don’t want it to be empty.”

This year there were 22 first choice applications for 30 places and Mr Burgess said that the impact of the low birth rate is expected to be even worse next year.

Although he said that a smaller class of pupils would not be a big problem for one year group, it could have funding implications if the trend continues because Warrington is already one of the lowest funded areas in the country for education.

The school wants to make parents aware that they would welcome applications from pupils living further afield and have taken students from Birchwood and Dutton in the past. 

“The parents are happy and the results are good – the PTA are even looking at advertising to get the numbers they think the school deserves,” said Mr Burgess.