New schools for Tamaki youth bulge

New schools for Auckland's Tamaki area may be the answer to coping with the education demands of its bulging youth population, the Ministry of Education says.

Ministry officials are meeting schools, parents and community groups this week to discuss how to handle a projected increase in student numbers at all school levels.

"Existing schools will not be able to cater for the additional 2300 students expected in the next 15 years," said Brenda Radford, the schools network planning manager for the ministry.

"We will need more classrooms at all levels, which may mean adding new classrooms in existing schools and building new schools."

The expected growth is based on the 2001 census results.

Ms Radford said about 6200 students now attended state schools in the area, which includes the communities of Glen Innes, Panmure and Mt Wellington/Sylvia Park.

The ministry has specified 21 schools, catering to all school levels, that will be affected by the swelling population.

"We are asking school boards and staff, parents and others to send in written responses by the end of March," Ms Radford said.

Independent education consultant Eric Pedersen will lead the process and meet school boards of trustees and other groups in coming weeks.

Submissions can be made to the ministry via the website below which also has information on population growth, education and background.