Nottinghamshire County Council has announced plans to launch a public consultation regarding the establishment of a new primary school in the Fairham Pastures development area near East Leake.
The consultation, set to run from 18 March to 29 April 2025, will seek to gather local views on the proposal to open a new free school to meet the growing demand for primary school places in the region.
Background
The need for a new primary school arises from the ongoing Fairham Pastures housing development, which will see the construction of up to 3,000 new homes south of Clifton.
The development, approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council in May 2019, is expected to generate approximately 630 primary-aged pupils over the next decade. To accommodate this influx, developers have committed to allocating a 3-hectare site for a new 3-form entry primary school, which will include a 39-place nursery.
Under current legislation, all new schools in England must be opened as free schools, operated by Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). The process, known as the Free School Presumption, requires local authorities to consult with the community before initiating a competition to select a MAT to run the school.
Consultation Details
The upcoming consultation is non-statutory and aims to engage local stakeholders, including residents, parents, and potential school sponsors. The feedback gathered will help shape the council’s specification for the new school, ensuring it meets the needs of the community. Key details of the proposal include:
- The school will initially be built as a 2-form entry (2FE) institution, with the capacity to expand to 3FE as the housing development progresses.
- The school will be constructed to Department for Education (DfE) standards, as outlined in Building Bulletin 103.
- Admission arrangements, including potential catchment areas, will be determined by the selected MAT.
Why a New School is Needed
The council has considered alternative options, such as expanding existing schools in the area. However, due to limited capacity and the distance of other schools from the Fairham Pastures development, a new primary school is deemed the most viable solution. The council says it is committed to ensuring that children in the area have access to local education, reducing the need for long commutes.
Environmental and Financial Considerations
The new school will be designed with sustainability in mind, aiming to be carbon neutral both in its construction and operation. The financial implications of the consultation are minimal, with costs contained within the council’s existing budgets. Further financial considerations will be addressed once the free school is approved and the development process begins.
If the consultation receives positive feedback, the council will proceed with the Free School Presumption competition, inviting MATs to submit proposals to operate the new school. A formal statutory consultation will also be conducted by the selected school sponsors during the pre-opening phase, as required by the Academies Act 2010.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation to ensure their views are heard. The council will also assess the impact of the new school on local residents, existing educational institutions, and equality groups, as part of its commitment to the Public Sector Equality Duty.
