New primary school for Preston moves closer as cabinet approves funding
Funding for a new primary school in North Preston has been approved.
In October 2022, cabinet approved a series of projects that would provide additional school places where projected shortfalls had been identified across Lancashire.
These included expansions at Cottam Primary School, Lea Community Primary School and Broughton-In-Amounderness Church of England Primary school. These projects are either complete and/or nearing their final phase of delivery.
Cabinet was also asked at that time to approve a consultation to establish a new primary school on the former Whittingham Hospital site, Preston. This was approved and a consultation was undertaken in June 2023.
An initial planning application for a 1.5 form entry primary school was submitted but subsequently withdrawn following updated data analysis, which identified a requirement for a 2 form entry provision, including a special educational needs (SEN) unit. A revised application reflecting this enhanced scope has now been submitted and is awaiting decision.
If the plans are approved, the project on the former Whittingham Hospital site would deliver 420 places, including a 16 place SEN unit, for September 2027, with 60 additional places per year from September 2026.
On Thursday, September 4, cabinet approved the funding for the new school. This will include the use of available section 106 funding – money that housing developers agree to pay to local councils when they build new homes.
Cllr Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
“We’re committed to ensuring that every child in Lancashire has access to high-quality education close to home.
"Our decision to allocate funding for a new primary school in this part of Preston is a cost-effective way to meet the shortfall of places and provide the high-quality education families need. This is in addition to the further 595 places we're delivering through numerous expansion projects.
"The plans reflect our ambition to create a modern, inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the community and investment in our children's future.”
During the meeting, Cllr Salter also gave an update on plans to create a new secondary school in North West Preston. He said the council is continuing to explore options to deliver a new secondary school and is also considering whether expanding existing schools is a feasible approach.
Cllr Salter said that whatever approach cabinet take, they are "absolutely confident" they can deliver the secondary places needed in an "appropriate and timely fashion to ensure good quality education for those in North and West Preston."
He told the meeting that a decision would be coming back to the next available cabinet meeting.