A PRIMARY school which Cambridgeshire County Council expects to double in size has begun the first phase of its expansion process.

All Saints Primary School in March has agreed to take on 12 additional reception aged pupils in September to help the town overcome its shortfall in available places.

Head teacher Rachel Beeson’s decision means that March can accommodate the 252 four to five years olds who require a school. There were just 240 reception places available in the town prior to the agreement.

The school - rated as good by the government’s education inspectors Ofsted in May, the second highest mark possible - will now have two reception classes, one in a mobile.

Gary Wright, the county council’s buildings and capital officer, said: “From All Saints Primary School’s inception the intention was for the school to be able to expand to 420 places, subject to the demand for pupil places.

“In order to overcome the shortfall in places the head teacher at All Saints has agreed to take the addition 12 pupils; by September this number could increase further.

“According to the latest pupil forecasts there will be sufficient accommodation for the March area in September 2012, however there is forecast to be another shortage of up to 30 reception places for September 2013, hence the provision of a double mobile now and not a single classroom unit.”

The school received outstanding gradings - the best possible rating - in a number of Ofsted’s criteria, including the extent to which pupils feel safe.

Keith Sadler, the Ofsted reporting inspector, said: “The school’s outstanding ethos is at the heart of its work and this, linked to the outstanding care, guidance and support provided, ensures that pupils thrive in their personal development.

“The head teacher’s successful leadership has resulted in a clear, shared vision for the school.”