Having read the headline “Oxford: Green light for expansion plans” (January 15) I was surprised to discover that it only relates to the expansion of one primary school by 15 pupils. This would hardly seem to be indicative of “a steep rise in pupil numbers”.

Since January 2009, the London Borough of Redbridge has opened more than 15 classes, each of 30 pupils, many of which were unknown at the beginning of the budget process for the current financial year. The majority of these additional classes are in primaries, so there is a knock-on effect in the need for secondary places at a time when budgets are stretched to the limit. No doubt, many other London boroughs are in a similar position.

David Backhouse, Vice-chair, Redbridge Schools’ Funding Forum, Ilford.