Fresh call for more capacity at Waverley school

Almost 80 children have been refused places at the new community’s junior academy in the past two school years – 48 of whom lived in the catchment area.

Landowners Harworth has indicated that it could be 2026 before the number of places

Increases – but parents have called for action ahead of next September’s intake.

Resident Jamie Baggaley said the problem was adding to pressures at neighbouring Brinsworth, Treeton and Catcliffe.

He added: “The stance from the Department for Education has always been that additional places will not be provided as sufficient places exist in surrounding schools, yet these places are now being eroded.

“A temporary classroom could easily be placed on the [Waverley] school site, allowing for one additional form to be created, to accommodate the demand which is only going to increase.”

Mr Baggaley said concerns about school provision were made during the planning process five years ago – long before the academy opened in 2020.

A new petition of 215 names has been raised, calling on RMBC to provide more school places in Waverley.

Mr Baggaley said: “Rotherham Council has priorities for every child to fulfil their potential, and every neighbourhood thriving.

“In my view, the council is failing with these priorities in Waverley.

“Children can’t walk to the local school with their friends. Instead, they have to travel by car, due to the poor transport links, to neighbouring schools.”

He added: “Waverley could have been a great development for Rotherham, however the council overlooking residents’ concerns and putting their heads in the sand instead of creating the great community is actually destroying the community.

“Residents are actually moving out of Waverley for a variety of reasons, one of which is the lack of primary school places.”

Mr Baggaley presented the petition to last Wednesday’s full council meeting. A response will follow from the head of children’s services.

The community council has previously resolved to object to all applications for housing at Waverley until more public amenities are provided.