Ellingham Primary School is one step closer to doubling its size, in a process to start in September 2011, it was agreed this week.

Sixteen objections, including one from the bursar of St Mary’s Primary School, to the creation of a two form entry school were sent to the executive members of Kingston Council on Tuesday night.

But they opted to go ahead with the rebuild, despite calls to expand nearby Lovelace Primary School in Mansfield Road, which is on a larger site.

Originally, both schools were in line for expansion, but funding cuts led to Ellingham’s expansion from 210 to 420 pupils being prioritised.

Ellingham will expand its yearly intake from 30 to 60 pupils from September 2011, filling the school in seven years.

Headteacher Ian Jones said: “Staff and governors and children are all really excited about it.

“We’re in a building that’s not fit for 21st century education. This new building we’re getting has everything in it.

“It will be a state-of-the-art building which will make sure the children have the right education.

“They will have a proper library for the first time ever.

“They will have access to outdoor learning areas for every single class.

“The plans that have gone in have a balcony for each of the older children. The children could be outdoor learning and be among the trees.”

Chessington south Councillor Patricia Bamford, one of the elected members who approved the decision, said: “It is the first phase of an expansion programme we need to look at.

“A lot of people said it should be Lovelace Primary School instead of Ellingham but what was agreed for Ellingham is to progress and rebuild a building not in a very good state of repair.

“This decision means the investment in Ellingham means its a fit for purpose 21st century school.”

Ellingham is on a 7,000sq m site, while Lovelace is on a 37,000sq m site, which had prompted fears the new school building would be cramped and have tiny playgrounds.

Chessington District Residents’ Association opposed the expansion and criticised the wording of the consultation.

Asked by a questionnaire if Ellingham should expand, 41 parents agreed and 20 said no.

At Lovelace, 31 parents backed expansion, while 15 were opposed.

A planning application will have to be approved at a council meeting on October 29.

The plans include a proposal for another entrance to the school from Chessington Road Gardens, through Harrow Close.

No one objected to expanding Alexandra Infant from 180 to 270 pupils, St Paul’s Junior from 240 to 360 pupils, Fern Hill from 420 to 630 pupils, Latchmere from 630 pupils to 840, or St Matthew’s from 315 to 420.

One person opposed the expansion of Burlington Infant School, due to expand from 360 to 480.

What do you think about the decision to expand Ellingham Primary School? Leave a comment below or call 020 8330 9547.