Harrow Council claims the latest round of school expansions will help the borough cope with the increasing demand for places.

Harrow Borough Council is currently half way through preparing schools for the third round of its expansion programme.

The Harrow Times was given a tour of Grimsdyke School, which will be increasing from having two Reception classes to three by 2016.

Under proposals for the school in Hatch End, several temporary blocks and a hall will be demolished to make way for a new two-storey structure which will hold more classrooms.

Headteacher Gwenda Caroli said: “What we are concerned about is making sure children from Hatch End have a chance to go to school in the village.

“Our catchment area is very tight and we need more places.

“In Hatch End there is a unique village atmosphere and we want to be part of that and continue to be a village school.

“We are very lucky that our building is currently in great condition, but we do have temporary classrooms which have been here for a long time and my hope is to have outstanding classrooms for all children.

“I think a three form entry school is a good size and will mean we can continue to be part of the community of Hatch End.

“The whole of Harrow has a shortage of places but we want to be part of the solution”

The council's cabinet member for children and school Councillor Simon Brown said: “There has been a big increase in population and the need for places so schools need to be expanded.

“The need for places is spread across the borough, so even if were to build a new school in one place it would not help with the demand in other areas.

“The school expansion programme is a challenge but we are coping with it well.”

Harrow Council is already part way through the second round of school expansions and announced earlier this year a third round would be needed following a revised estimate of the pupil population during the coming years.