Imagine fighting for your child’s education, only to be told ‘no’… That’s precisely what happened in Reading, but thankfully, the story has a happy twist! An ‘outstanding’ primary school, The Heights Primary School in Caversham, has just won a crucial appeal, paving the way for more local children to access its high-quality education. But here’s where it gets controversial… the local council initially blocked the expansion, fearing it would harm other schools.
The Heights Primary School, already a beacon of excellence with an ‘outstanding’ rating from its last full Ofsted inspection in 2017, sought permission to increase its intake from 350 to 420 pupils. This would mean welcoming just ten more children per year group. Reading Borough Councillors, however, rejected the school’s application in December 2024. Their argument? That allowing the popular school to grow could “threaten the viability and sustainability” of other, less popular schools in the vicinity. Essentially, they worried that parents would flock to The Heights, leaving other schools struggling.
And this is the part most people miss… Councils often face a delicate balancing act: ensuring all schools have sufficient pupils and resources, while also respecting parental choice. It’s a tricky situation with no easy answers. Is it fair to limit a successful school’s growth if it means potentially propping up less successful ones? That’s a debate for another time, but it’s the core of this issue.
However, the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body, saw things differently. They overturned the council’s decision, ruling that the school’s appeal should be granted. They found that allowing The Heights to admit more pupils wouldn’t violate any local authority planning policies. This decision essentially acknowledges the parents’ right to choose the best possible education for their children, even if it means other schools face increased competition.
Ofsted’s glowing report on The Heights Primary School further strengthens the case. During their last visit in October 2024, inspectors highlighted the school’s “high aspiration for all pupils” and emphasized that “their learning was at the centre of everything it does.” These are hardly the characteristics of a school that should be prevented from expanding and serving more children!
Hayley Harrison, the school’s proud head teacher, expressed her delight that “our excellent provision will be able to be accessed by more children.” She emphasized that the Planning Inspectorate recognized that increasing the school’s capacity would “greatly benefit our local families and give them the choice of education they have the right to.” Ms. Harrison’s statement underscores a fundamental principle: parents should have the freedom to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs.
Reading Borough Council has been contacted for comment, but at the time of this writing, no statement has been issued.
This situation begs the question: Should successful schools be allowed to expand, even if it potentially impacts less successful ones? Or should councils prioritize maintaining a level playing field, even if it means limiting parental choice? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!