Schools in Strood and Gillingham are set to expand to meet the growing demand for primary places.

A review of the School Organisation Plan 2011-16 highlighted a great need for more primary school places in Medway and a report to the council’s cabinet on Tuesday last week set out options for expanding a number of different primary schools.

Strood, Gillingham and Rainham were pinpointed as the areas most under pressure.

Those considered for expansion were: Bligh Infant and Junior Schools, Elaine Primary Academy, St Nicholas CE Infant School, Woodlands Academy, St Thomas of Canterbury RCP School, Thames View Primary and Parkwood Infant and Junior Schools.

During the meeting Cllr Mike O’Brien, head of children’s services, explained that Elaine would be the best option for Strood.

Medway Council’s social care team, based in the neighbouring Elaine Centre, is being relocated, meaning the school can expand into those buildings.

It makes it the cheapest option and the plan is to have it ready for September 2016.

For Gillingham, Woodlands was highlighted as the best option as, again, the children’s social care team is moving from buildings attached to the school which can then be converted for the primary’s use.

It will mean an additional reception class will be ready from September of this year.

The Academy will pay for the expansion themselves. Bligh and St Thomas were given as viable second options later.

The plans were approved by the cabinet and a statutory consultation process will now begin.