Concerned parents in England formed a Crisis Group after 23 children failed to get a place at either Northleaze or Birdwell Primary school in 2008. Following a two-year campaign by the parents, north Somerset Council education bosses have increased the number of spaces for children due to start class at Birdwell School from 30 to 45. The move, which will see a temporary classroom installed at the school, means that all the children who have applied for places in village schools will get one.

A spokesman for the parents group, Guy Kingston, said: “This is a tremendous result for the people of Long Ashton and a triumph for local democracy.  Our perseverance has paid off and it looks like we can ensure the local education of many more Long Ashton children in the years to come.”

The news comes just weeks after North Somerset education bosses announced that Birdwell Primary is to be expanded at a cost of about £3 million to cope with the continuing increased demand for school places in the village.

The school will be expanded, pupil numbers increased from 210 to 315 and it will be ready to welcome extra pupils in 2011.

The school will be renovated and temporary classrooms brought on to the site while the work is carried out.

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