A SUCCESSFUL primary school in Malvern looks set to be enlarged as part of a plan to cope with increased numbers of pupils.

Next week, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet is being asked to approve a scheme to expand Somers Park Primary School by building a new one-form entry unit in the nearby Malvern Vale housing development to provide about 40 new places..

The recommendation has been welcomed by Cllr Paul Tuthill, the Malvern Link ward member.

He said: "I think it would be a very sensible and pragmatic solution to the problem posed by the need to find places for increasing numbers of children.

"It would be an example of the Conservative council's policy of building on success, because Somers Park Avenue is a a supremely successful school."

Council officers say that the expansion of Somers Park is preferable to the two other options, being considered: a new stand-alone primary school at Malvern Vale, or an expansion of Northleigh Primary School.

The officers' recommendation follows consultations with both schools and discussions on potential new housing with Malvern Hills District Council.

This decision is based on the key factors that Somers Park is rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted, has high levels of parental preference and will provide a cost effective option.

The next phase of housing development proposed in the Newland area of Malvern is also closer to Somers Park than Northleigh.

If this recommendation is approved, then it is hoped the new building would be completed by December 2017.

Cllr John Campion, the county council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "Somers Park is well respected within the local community and I believe they will deliver outstanding educational outcomes to the children in Malvern within their new school building.