By community correspondent Joel Nulsen.

The London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is well known for an overall outstanding primary education system – according to Ofsted most schools are outstanding or good (32% and 58% respectively), while 10% are rated satisfactory. There are no unsatisfactory schools.

However, with the start of the new academic year, it seems that the Richmond schools are too successful for their own good. Applications for primary school places rose by 20% last year, according to the Richmond Council Consultation on Primary School Expansions 2009-2013. The report blames the unexpected rise in demand on a decreasing number of parents who can afford private education. As a result, 600 children have been refused their first choice school, mostly from outside of the Borough. An estimate by a Richmond Council spokesperson puts the number of children refused all of their school choices at 48. There is, without doubt, a serious lack of primary school places, particularly in reception classes, in Richmond. The problem is being dealt with by the introduction of enlarged “bulge” classes to six primary schools, but few believe that this can last forever. Councillor Malcolm Eady, quoted in the Richmond and Twickenham Times, said that 14 new reception classes would be needed within the next two years to tackle the problem.

The main obstacle to the construction of new classes cited by Councillors is one of space. A suggested way round this is a solution currently being put forward of the construction of an entirely new primary school on the controversial site of the Stag Brewery in Mortlake. Due to close in December 2010, many locals would prefer to see brewing continue and the 300 jobs stay. However, the future use of the site has already become a topic of heated debate in the area. At a public meeting on the matter, the constructions of a museum, community centre, ice rink or a housing estate were proposed, but local MP Susan Kramer said, “I have already suggested to the Council that they seriously consider the brewery site as an option for a new school.” The decision process is in early days yet, but there is already a great deal of community interest.

With the problem expected only to worsen, residents are asking themselves: How large must class sizes in the borough become before an adequate solution is found? In a few years time, will residents still be proud of their outstanding primary school system?