A further 630 primary school places will be created in Richmond in the next 10 years, according to a strategy agreed by the council's cabinet.

Plans to create as many as 21 extra forms of entry were agreed at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, January 14, recommending various options to be explored.

The options include the potential permanent expansion of some schools and how the free school programme could assist in providing places.

Councillor Paul Hodgins, cabinet member for schools, said: "It is not enough simply to move from year to year adding temporary classes when they are needed - we need to find permanent solutions.

"That means expanding where possible and supporting the creation of new free schools.

"We recognise, though, that most ‘easy’ options have been exhausted.

"We will need to find creative solutions and take some difficult decisions so that enough places are provided, and in the right areas of the borough."

Under the proposals, recommended options include the expansion of an existing free school in Hampton and of primary schools in Barnes, East Sheen and Ham.