Nottingham City Council has unveiled plans to expand Bluecoat Wollaton Academy by 300 places.
A council report seeks authority to undertake the process to enable the Bluecoat Wollaton Academy to be expanded by two forms of entry/300 places.
The project initially requires £200,000 of capital funding for design work and £250,000 of revenue funding for four temporary classrooms for the period September 2024 to September 2026.
The funding for the project comes from £242,022 of s106 funding and the balance is from the Basic Need Capital Grant.
The author of the report has confirmed that the proposed use of these funds is in accordance with both the terms and conditions of the Basic Need Capital Grant and the relevant and identified s106 funds.
The Council will need to ensure it continues to comply, and enters into contractual arrangements that allow it to continue to comply, with any other requirements imposed on the use of the Basic Need Capital Grant.
This expansion, set for completion by September 2026, is a strategic response to the city’s increasing pupil numbers and aims to sustain educational standards and access to educational opportunities.
Nottingham has witnessed a marked increase in demand for secondary school places since 2017, exacerbated by recent inward migration.
Despite investments in educational infrastructure, existing capacities remain insufficient to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, with place pressures anticipated to persist until 2028/2029.
The Bluecoat Wollaton Academy expansion, in partnership with the Archway Learning Trust, is seen as a necessary step in addressing this shortfall. Initially, temporary accommodation will be provided from September 2024, ensuring that the school can continue operating as normal during the construction phase.
This decision aligns with Nottingham City Council’s broader educational and community objectives, including the commitment to offering quality local schooling options and fostering a “Child Friendly City.” The project underscores the council’s dedication to enhancing educational facilities and outcomes across Nottingham, particularly in the North Central and West areas, which are facing the most acute capacity challenges.
Bluecoat Wollaton Academy, known for its exceptional educational outcomes and Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating, is at the forefront of this expansion. The academy is notably oversubscribed, drawing students from across the city, and is prepared to accommodate the influx of students in temporary facilities until the permanent expansion is realized. This initiative not only aims to address the immediate need for school places but also to sustain the academy’s inclusive ethos and strong support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).