A POPULAR and outstanding primary school will be taking on more pupils from this September to tackle a desperate shortage of places.

SS Simon and Jude’s CE Primary School in Great Lever, marked outstanding by Ofsted, will create 30 extra places in reception and 120 places in years three to six.

Work on the new classrooms is set to start shortly.

Simon Bramwell, CEO of Vantage Academies Trust, which governs the school, said: “We are excited to announce this new opportunity for families to send their children to SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School in September, due to the school expansion.

“Since opening our subscription to these classes, places are filling quickly and we would therefore advise parents to call the school as soon as possible to ensure that they are not disappointed in September.”

The Bolton News:

The school regularly has waiting lists for children whose parents want them to attend the school.

The expansion will mean it can take on new children and children from families who have been split across different schools can be reunited at the school.

Mr Bramwell said: “Despite the current disruptions, due to covid-19, we are committed to readying this space for children arriving in September and will starting work on the new classrooms in the next few days; as reception places have already been filled, we would encourage anyone interested in school places to call our office staff as soon as possible.

“As a Trust, we are deeply committed to improving outcomes for all children and supporting schools to operate as both inspirational and safe places in which to learn.”

He added: “Given the shortage of school places in the area, we have been delighted to help Bolton Council by facilitating the expansion and will continue to work with them to provide this opportunity for local families. Our staff are very much looking forward to welcoming our new children in September.”

The Bolton News:

Principal, Katie Jones, said: “We are so excited to see the expansion of our outstanding school over the summer and to welcome new children across Reception, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 into our newly extended school in September. At SS Simon and Jude, we are very proud of our presence at the heart of our local community and are looking forward to forging links with more families and supporting children to achieve their goals.

"We welcome enquiries from parents and carers looking to take advantage of the expansion to our school, which has previously been over-subscribed, and send their children to SS Simon and Jude for a new start in the next academic year.”