Nine primary schools are to grow as Harrow Borough Council embarks on a £26.2 million primary school expansion programme.

The programme will create hundreds of new reception places over the next five years.

The number of under fives in the borough has dramatically increased in recent years, with 16,000 children under the age of five in 2011, compared to 12,000 in 2001.

Forecasts also show that increased demand for places will continue, meaning there is little option but to expand schools.

The expansion will be funded by a combination of government and council money – the Government will provide £20 million and the council £6 million.

Nine schools will be affected in the first phase of the expansion.

Those set to increase in size are Camrose Primary School with nursery, Cedars Manor School, Glebe Primary School, Marlborough Primary School, Pinner Park Infant and Junior Schools, Stanburn First School and Stanburn Junior School, and Vaughan Primary School.

Schools in later phases of the programme have not yet been identified.

Portfolio holder for children, schools and families, Councillor Mitzi Green, said: “We have excellent schools in Harrow which will continue to provide an excellent education to children in the borough.

“There is a pressure on primary school places. We need to accommodate the unprecedented increase in children needing primary school places and try and ensure children don't have to travel excessive distances to school.

"This £26 million project will provide hundreds of extra places in the areas they are most needed, much needed local employment, and will improve our educational facilities ahead of the 2013 school year.”