Cabinet to review plans for hundreds of new school places in north Preston
Councillors will be updated on proposals to create hundreds of new school places in North Preston next week.
In 2022, projections indicated a requirement for an additional 750 secondary school places in Preston by 2025/2026. In response, two potential sites for a new secondary school were identified: the former Tulketh High School site and land at Maxy Lane Farm.
Last October, cabinet provisionally agreed to pursue plans for a new secondary school on land north of Maxy Lane Farm, which would deliver 600 places. Preparatory work has also continued on the Tulketh High School site as an alternative location.
In the interim, between 2023 and 2025, additional places have been provided at existing schools to address the shortfall.
A new report going before cabinet next week presents updated projections showing a short-term reduction in demand. This is partly due to the success of the School Place Delivery Programme 2022–2025, which expanded capacity in local schools, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, further capacity is now recommended through expansion rather than new build.
Cabinet will be asked to approve the progression of interim expansion plans at existing secondary schools to meet current demand. This approach offers a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality education at established schools for families who need places now.
As of January 2025, there were 7,535 pupils enrolled across the 10 secondary schools in the Preston pupil planning area - well below the net capacity of 8,477. This means there is sufficient space to accommodate pupils who may have otherwise been allocated to a new school in 2027, should expansions proceed.
On Thursday, 9 October, cabinet will also be updated on the Tulketh High School site and Maxy Lane Farm site and will be asked to continue with due diligence on the two sites.
Cllr Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
“We’re committed to ensuring every child in Lancashire has access to high-quality education close to home.
"Through positive discussions with local schools, we now have the opportunity to deliver the places families need in the right locations at really successful schools.
“Designing and delivering a new secondary school takes at least three years, so it’s essential we explore a range of solutions to deliver places for Lancashire children in a sustainable way.”