AN investment programme worth £93m to create sufficient school places for Wiltshire pupils up to 2020 is on course, according to a report to council leaders.

Wiltshire Council maps out where extra school provision is needed to meet rising demand in a long term planning document called the Wiltshire School Places Strategy.

A list of 30 schemes, including new school build and extensions to meet the need from now until 2020, has been approved subject to planning approval.

The funding for the build comes from the Department for Education and from Section 106 infrastructure contributions from developers.

As part of preparations for the Army Basing Programme, which will see an additional 4,000 service personnel and their families settle in Wiltshire, the Ministry of Defence is funding an additional 1,125 places to help meet the rise in demand in secondary and primary school places.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “A large majority of parents are able to send their child to the school of their choice and this is due to the careful planning and preparation which goes into ensuring there is sufficient provision throughout the county.

“This comprehensive programme means we stay on top of latest developments and population changes but it is important it is continually reviewed to ensure our pupils continue to have access to vibrant learning environments.”