Somerset Council has confirmed plans to design and build a new classroom at Trinity Church of England First School in Frome, with costs nearing £911,000. Located on Nunney Road, the school is currently operating beyond its capacity, temporarily accommodating extra pupils in a nursery area that was not intended for regular classroom use.
To address overcrowding, the council will invest up to £910,930 to construct a new classroom designed to hold 30 pupils. This project will be entirely funded by contributions from local housing developments, fulfilling a legal commitment to support community infrastructure.
As of October 2025, Trinity First School had 294 students enrolled, with projections indicating further increases over the next two to three years. Somerset Council has a statutory responsibility to guarantee enough school places are available within walking distance of children’s homes. In addition to expanding capacity, the council aims to reduce costs in its school transport budget to promote financial sustainability.
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Rose Stokes, senior officer in the council’s education places strategy team, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “Trinity First School is currently operating above capacity, with some children being taught in spaces not designed as classrooms. We must ensure all pupils have access to proper learning environments."
The new classroom will be attached to the end of an existing building, chosen as the most practical and cost-effective option. Collaboration with the school’s headteacher and the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership has resulted in strong support for the project.
The total budget encompasses all construction fees, ICT installation, and classroom furniture. Due to legal restrictions on the original housing development agreements providing the funding, Somerset Council must commit the entire budget by June 2027. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the additional classroom ready for use by September 2027.