Plans for a new primary school on the site of the old Selhurst Boys High are being considered by the council.

The Transforming Croydon Schools (TCS) cabinet will discuss the proposals on Tuesday, November, 3.

The new school would open in September 2011 creating up to 90 new reception places with priority given to children from the local Selhurst and Broad Green areas.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, young people and learners said: “Croydon, similar to many local authorities, is experiencing an unprecedented rise in demand for primary places due to a combination of increased birth rate, economic downturn and residential development.

"We estimate that up to 600 additional reception places will be required by 2011.

“Importantly, we need to create those places where demand is highest, the north and centre of the borough, so to minimise the distance pupils have to travel to their school.”

The plans include a potential partnership with the BRIT School which would be next to the new primary school.

If proposals are approved by the TCS cabinet, the council will immediately begin consulting with neighbouring schools, community groups and parents who would potentially use the new school, before submitting an application to the Secretary of State recommending the establishment of the new school.

The new school is just one element of the council’s plans to ensure that it meets demand for reception places.

In 2009 the council created 411 additional reception places and at next week’s meeting it will also be seeking approval to investigate the feasibility of expanding up to 17 existing primary schools over the next two years.

• For more on schools visit our Education section