A school in West Hampstead is to open an extra reception class this September due to the rising demand for places.

Emmanuel Church of England Primary, in Mill Lane, will take in an extra 30 infants from across all faiths.

The move comes as demand for primary school places across Camden is growing, with applications for places up on last year.

Father Jonathan Kester, chairman of governors at Emmanuel School, said: “Our new �8million school building opens in September and will be significantly under-occupied until the school fills up from the reception upwards.

“We fully believe in supporting genuine need in our local community.

“There is real pressure for primary school places in our area and we are delighted to be able to step in and welcome an additional class of 30 local children into our school in 2012.”

He continued: “We have taken very careful advice and feel that this extra class will bring many extra opportunities.

“It will ensure that Emmanuel School fully and inclusively serves the community of West Hampstead in this time of genuine need for school places and anxiety for parents.”

Camden Council acted to meet the rising need for school places.

Cllr Larraine Revah, Camden cabinet member for children, schools and families, said: “We acted swiftly to make sure we could meet the needs of families in this area after monitoring demand for primary school places.

“We are grateful to Emmanuel School for opening up their doors to the wider community.

“It is a popular, outstanding school. It shows a great sense of community spirit, which will benefit local families in the area at a time when pressure for primary places is soaring.”

Primary school places for September are allocated across Camden on April 18.