GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council is getting ready for the new school year by helping more parents secure pupil places.

Dunalley Primary School in Cheltenham is among the schools to benefit as they will gain an extra 30 permanent places from September 2014, to meet increased demand.

Over the last two years Dunalley School has temporarily increased its intake due to a rise in the number of under-fives.

Following consultation with parents and local residents, the extra places have now been set for the foreseeable future.

In addition, 95 temporary places are planned for a further four Cheltenham primary schools: Lakeside and Warden Hill Primary, Rowanfield Infants and Gloucester Road.

Pupil places in Gloucester and Tewkesbury will increase too, with a total of 105 temporary places at Hatherley Infant, Calton Primary, The John Moore School and Winchcombe Abbey Primary.

New housing developments also mean further expansion at Coopers Edge School and Waterwells Primary in Gloucester.

Cllr Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people and commissioning, said: “It is really important that we add in extra school places in those areas of the county where we are experiencing a rise in demand and at schools where parents want to send their children.

“With this in mind, from September 2015 and subject to consultation, at Gloucester Road Primary and Rowanfields in Cheltenham extra places will be made permanent.

“The county council is also in discussions with Calton Primary, Gloucester and Lakeside Primary in Cheltenham to secure further permanent places ongoing.”

On Wednesday, April 16, parents of pupils going to primary school in September 2014 will receive an allocation offer from Gloucestershire County Council.

The expansions mean more parents will be able to receive offers at their preferred schools.