A NEW primary school could be opening in north Worcester to deal with a shortfall in the number of catchment school places.

The Rivers CofE Academy Trust submitted a bid to the Department of Education (DfE) to propose the opening of North Worcester Primary School.

The trust's application for an all-through primary school for children aged three to 11 was submitted in September, with a vision of opening a school in the north of the city by September 2018.

If approved, it will be called North Worcester Primary School, and has been recommended due to the shortfall of school places in the area.

No site has been identified for the school, however, if the plans are successful, the Trust will work with Worcestershire County Council to find a suitable location.

Northwick Manor Primary School had to create a 'bulge' class this year after a classroom of children in the area did not get any school in catchment.

If the proposal goes ahead, the school will take its first 60 reception pupils in September 2018, reaching its full potential of 420 pupils of primary age over seven years.

A 26 place pre-school nursery is also included in the plans.

The Rivers CofE Academy Trust was formed in October 2014 and is a group of seven "Good" and "Outstanding" schools spread across Worcestershire all varying in size, economic, social backgrounds and religion.

They are Northwick Manor Primary, St Clement's CofE Primary, St Peter's CofE First, Cranham Primary, Cutnall Green CofE First, Great Witley CE Primary, and Heronswood Primary.

As a Church of England Multi Academy Trust, it is envisaged North Worcester Primary to be a 'Faith Ethos' community school, welcoming applications from all faiths and no faiths.

Kate Brunt, CEO for Rivers MAT said: "We are delighted to put forward this application and it is intended to meet the growing need for places in the North Worcester Catchment.

"One of our academies in the catchment area has already had to take on a bulge year due to demand.

"The city plans for new housing in the area means that this puts an additional shortfall on primary places in this area and a new school will be required to meet this need.

"At Rivers we understand that our parents want more than just academic achievement.

"Our values and ethos allows us, as a trust, to give our children the right tools to live with and prepare them for the next stage of their life."

The Rivers new school project team will be at hand to answer any questions at Northwick Manor Primary School, Worcester, on Thursday, October 20 from 6pm to 7pm.

Anyone unable to attend the consultation session can view more details and leave feedback online at www.riverscofe.co.uk/free-school-consultation.