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<p>261 schools were successful in their application to the Priority School Building
Programme (PSBP) and initial work has started with over 230 of these schools. Construction
work has started at 24 schools and the first primary school is due to open in May
2014.</p><p>The PSBP is aimed at addressing the condition needs of those schools most
in need of urgent repair; it is not a programme aimed at increasing school capacity.
However, where a school is seeking to expand and this is supported by pupil planning
statistics, we are increasing the capacity of the schools.</p><p>The PSBP will create
approximately 9,300 new primary school places through the expansion of these schools
beyond the existing capacity stated in their application forms.</p><p>This number
is subject to change. As part of the feasibility study undertaken for each school,
we work with the school, local authority and other stakeholders to review pupil planning
statistics for the area and confirm that the size of the school being rebuilt or refurbished
is sustainable and also meets any demand for pupil places where possible.</p><p>We
are on track to complete all PSPB schools by the end of 2017. This is two years earlier
than was planned when the programme was announced.</p>
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