Expanding Pupil Admission Number
The Heights Primary School was opened with two reception classes in September 2014 to meet the shortage of primary school places in the Caversham Heights area of Reading. The school moved into its current building during the summer 2021.
Whilst the building was built to accommodate 60 pupils per year group, the description of development limited the school to a capacity of 50 children per year group. The school has applied in 2024 to expand this number from 50 to 60. See the full statement regarding this application:
UPDATE 20 November 2025
Following our appeal, the Planning Inspectorate visited our school, and on 18 November 2025 published their decision:
“The proposal would not conflict with the development plan, read as a whole, and there are no material considerations which indicate that the decision should be made other than in accordance with it. Consequently, and having regard to all other matters raised, including the provisions of the Framework, the appeal should be allowed.”
Headteacher Hayley Harrison says: “I am proud to be the Headteacher of a sought after school, and I am delighted that our excellent provision will be able to be accessed by more children.
The Planning Inspectorate visited us, and recognised that increasing our provision of 10 children per year group would greatly benefit our local families and give them the choice of education they have the right to.
We are committed to work with local residents to minimise any potential consequences they feel this increase may cause. We have been given the Eco School Flag award and we received the Modeshift Gold Award for sustainable travel to and from school, and will continue to work with our families to minimise all impacts.”
"The Heights is a wonderful school, purpose-built and publicly funded to accommodate 420 pupils" says Mark Greatrex, BPET Chief Executive. "We are delighted that this very successful school will be used to its full potential by accommodating 420 pupils, serving the Caversham Heights area."