A new primary school for a rapidly growing Elgin community could take a major step forward this week.
Education chiefs will meet on Wednesday to decide whether to give their seal of approval to plans for a new school to serve the south Elgin area.
The current plan would be for the school to be temporarily opened in a building next to East End primary from August.
In the long-term, Moray Council’s education officers have identified a site to the west of Linkwood Road as the potential permanent home for the new primary.
It is hoped the plans would help address overcrowding in the schools, an issue faced across the town in recent years.
The meeting follows a public consultation which showed that more than 90% of the 380 people who responded were in favour of the scheme.
Last night Councillor George Alexander, deputy chairman of the children and young peoples committee, said there was a “desperate need” for additional classroom spaces.
He said: “It’s an important meeting and the decision will be made after the debate, but I think councillors will have to recognise the desperate need for extra school spaces in Elgin.
“I can’t disguise my own feelings that I think this should go ahead.”
The authority has said additional staff would be required for the temporary school, but has already made arrangements for them to be in post by next month, should it be approved.
A report to Wednesday’s committee states: “Officers believe there is a very strong case to establish a new primary school, with nursery provision, to serve the agreed catchment area.
“The proposal has a number of potential educational benefits for current and future learners and will also assist the council in addressing capacity issues across its school estate in Elgin.”
Children starting primary one would begin enrolling at the temporary site in early June.
Under the plans, construction on the new school would be finished in time for the start of the August 2018 term.
