Overflowing

Highbridge’s King Alfred School, serving as the primary secondary school for the area, is currently facing an oversubscription crisis. With the school unable to accommodate all its pupils, some students are being redirected to Bridgwater, leading to long commutes five days a week. Somerset Council has confirmed that it has no immediate plans to expand the school, citing a projected decrease in pupil numbers over the next four years. This decision has sparked concerns among council members, with discussions underway regarding the need for sufficient secondary school places in the region.

The situation has drawn attention during a recent meeting where the council’s planning and transport policy sub-committee gathered to address the funding of a new primary school in Bridgwater. Council leader Bill Revans expressed unease about the sufficiency of secondary school places, emphasizing the importance of monitoring future pupil numbers to ensure an adequate number of available spots. Phil Curd, the council’s head of education places, acknowledged the current oversubscription at King Alfred School and the likelihood of transporting students to Bridgwater.

Amidst this, plans for new education facilities are in progress, including the construction of Haygrove School in Bridgwater and the potential expansion of Chilton Trinity School. However, concerns remain about the immediate challenges posed by transporting additional pupils to Bridgwater and the costs associated with this arrangement. While the council has indicated the possibility of utilizing public transport for the affected students, it emphasized that families have the right to appeal for a place at King Alfred School.

The ongoing situation underscores the pressing need for long-term solutions to address the capacity issues facing secondary education in Somerset.