Provisional plans for new investment to make sure there are enough school places for children in areas where more homes are being built are set to be considered.
Councillors are being asked to approve the next phase of our Basic Need Programme, which helps the us meet our statutory duty to provide sufficient school places for children of school age.
While overall pupil numbers in North Yorkshire are forecast to fall by 3.6 per cent in the next four years, demand is expected to increase in some communities as new housing developments are built.
A report that is due to be considered by our executive next week outlines proposals for a series of investments during this year and in 2027 to help plan for future demand.
The funding would be focussed on areas where housing growth could require additional school places.
In recent years, major projects completed as part of the programme include the new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Northallerton and the expansion of Barlby Community Primary School in Selby.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Ensuring every child has access to a school place remains one of the council's most important responsibilities.
“While pupil numbers are falling in some parts of the county, significant housing growth means that the need for school places is increasing in others. We must continue to plan ahead so that families can access high-quality education close to where they live.
“This programme would help us assess future needs and ensure we are ready to provide additional school places where they are required, and the proposals will be carefully considered when the executive meets next week.”
The proposals are set to be considered by our executive on Tuesday next week (18 August).
The report to the executive can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.