A primary school in a village next to Gorleston could move to a new site and double in size under plans to meet a growing population. 

Norfolk County Council is planning to build a new school inside the 700-home Wheatcroft Farm housing development on Chaplin Road in Bradwell.

It would replace the existing Bradwell Homefield CE VC Primary School, on Homefield Avenue, and increase the number of pupils from 210 to 420.

The school would open on September 1, 2026 - but without a nursery and the age range changing from three to 11 to four to 11-years-old. 

A document prepared by the county council states the school cannot provide more flexible early years provision that offers longer hours to parents who work.

It also says the new site does not have enough space for a nursery.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The development of one phase of the six-phase, 700-home neighbourhood at Wheatcroft Farm, which was granted permission in principle in 2014. The development of one phase of the six-phase, 700-home neighbourhood at Wheatcroft Farm, which was granted permission in principle in 2014. (Image: Archant)

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The proposal has come in response to an increasing population, with an expected 1,000 more homes being built in Bradwell.

"The increase in new homes and new families means we are expecting more primary school aged children," the document states.

"The current schools in Bradwell cannot accommodate these extra children."

The council considered the option of expanding the existing school but said the site is unsuitable for expansion as the size is well below the minimum Department for Education guideline for a school with 420 pupils.

The school would be a two-storey building with 14 classrooms and have 60 pupil places per year group.

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The county council is currently consulting on the plans. To comment on the proposals, visit norfolk.citizenspace.com/childrensservices/bradwellhomefield/.

Consultation finishes on Friday, October 20.

The Director for Children’s Services will then review all the comments made during the survey and decide whether to proceed to the statutory public notice stage for the proposal.

Homefield Church of England Primary School was founded in 1962.