A new city centre primary school is coming closer to reality. Herts County Council is in talks with the University of Hertfordshire to buy the Law School building on Hatfield Road. The Law faculty intends to move to a new, purpose built premises at the University's Hatfield Campus.

St. Albans has suffered, in recent years, from an acute shortage of primary school places. Ever since Aboyne Lodge, St. Peters and Maple schools were compelled to have a double intake in 2007, matters have become worse for children with siblings taking places which normally would have gone to those living close to those schools. 

Some parents who live within 5 minutes walk, and in some instances within sight, of those schools have been shocked to find their children were offered places at faraway Margaret Wix or Mandeville.

The building, moments away from the top of St. Peter's Street, is large enough to accommodate to two forms of entry, as well as a nursery. 

Unlike most primary schools in the district, the building is arranged over two floors. Whilst there is no gym, there is a canteen, library, offices and class rooms.

Herts County Council is reported to be considering opening the new school, if plans go ahead, as a "Free School", managed in part by parents.

The Council has launched a survey to gather the opinion of local parents on the school place shortage: http://www.hertsdirect.org/schoolplaces