Proposed change to Polden Bower School 2026-27

Feedback updated 15 Oct 2026

We asked

We asked you for your views on proposals to

  1. Build 4 new classrooms on the school site
  2. Create a satellite provision at Somerset Bridge Primary School

You said

We received 5 online responses.

Most responses received were supportive of the proposals. Although the number of responses received was relatively low, this is not unusual for proposals of this nature. Officers do not consider the response levels to indicate a lack of awareness or engagement.

The consultation exercise generated little opposition to the proposals, and no significant issues were identified that would prevent implementation.

Officers concluded any concerns raised regarding site capacity, traffic, accessibility and operational arrangements could be appropriately addressed through subsequent design, planning and implementation processes.

We did

Following the completion of the statutory consultation process, a decision report on 9 September 2026 agreed Polden Bower School shall increase its registered capacity from 200 places to 248 places through (a) the creation of four additional classrooms at the Bower Lane site providing 32 places; (b) the establishment of satellite provision at Somerset Bridge Primary School providing 16 places.

Parents, staff, governors, relevant local members and other key stakeholders will be made aware of this decision and will be able to access the relevant statutory consultation report.

Closed 10 Jul 2026

Opened 8 Jun 2026

Contact

educationplaces@somerset.gov.uk

Overview

We are asking for your views on plans to expand Polden Bower School in Bridgwater.

Your feedback will help us understand the benefits, concerns, and local impact of these plans.

We are asking what you think about two proposals for potential expansion:

1) We propose to build 4 new classrooms on the school site. 

  • This would create 32 more places at Polden Bower School.

2) We propose to create a satellite provision at Somerset Bridge Primary School. 

  • This would create 16 more places at the satellite provision.

If both plans go ahead, the school would increase the number of places at Polden Bower from 200 to 248.

We want to hear from you if you are a pupil, parent, carer, staff member, or local resident with an interest in the school.

We would like to know if you support the proposals and if you have any comments that we should consider.

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