A Catholic school in High Wycombe is considering a proposal to extend into a neighbouring district with a new “satellite school”, in a bid to cope with thousands of new homes planned for the county in the next couple of decades.

A consultation has opened on proposals for Buckinghamshire’s first satellite school, with St Michael’s Catholic School, in Daws Hill Lane, considering a new facility on the former Quarrendon School site in Aylesbury.

The proposal comes in a partnership with Bucks County Council, St Michael’s governors and trustees, and the Diocese of Northampton.

It comes in light of the predicted rise in the number of school-age children across the county – with more than 45,000 new homes planned in the next 20 years, education bosses said they considered it their “statutory duty” to ensure there are enough school places.

Parents are being asked for feedback on the proposals in the consultation, which will run until April 28.

The satellite school would cater for students aged between 11 and 19 years, and open in September 2018 – initially with four forms of entry but growing over time to six.

Council bosses said St Michael’s current head teacher Garret Fay, and the school’s governors, would have overall responsibility for the satellite school, and governors from the area would be sought to support the multi-site school’s governance.

They also said consultation letters have been sent to all Aylesbury school head teachers with a request to forward to parents, and neighbouring residents are also being consulted.

After the consultation, the school partners will decide whether to move to the next stage and publish a statutory notice outlining the proposals and triggering a four-week public representation.

Zahir Mohammed, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "This is an important consultation and I hope people will take the time to respond, as their views are of great significance."

Two presentations are planned – one on Monday, February 27, at St Edward's Catholic Junior School, Aylesbury, and on Tuesday February 28 at St Michael’s.