Basic Need is the estimated deficit of school places up to 3 years after funding begins to be made available.  The funding is normally available over this 3 year period to fund design, procurement and construction (ie funding available in 2002/03 for places requirement in September 2005).

The additional school places must be required as a result of population growth where there are no places available at any community, voluntary and foundation schools within a radius of 2 miles (Primary) or 3 miles (Secondary) 'as the crow flies'.  Post-16 Basic Need is calculated on a slightly different basis within a radius of 5 miles.

Basic Need will then be assessed by deducting the projected demand for places from the assessed capacity for all schools within the growth area.  Assessed capacity is the higher of either the number of pupils on roll or the standard number multiplied by the number of years.

Pupil forecasts and calculations to indicate the likelihood of a Basic Need bid being successful are made by Asset Management and schools being considered for such bids will be contacted prior to bids being submitted.