Plans approved to expand school places across Preston
Plans to increase school capacity across Preston have been approved by councillors.
At its last meeting, cabinet approved plans to expand existing schools and progress new provision for both primary and secondary education, responding to need from housing developments and sustained births in the Preston area.
Funding was allocated for a new primary school in September 2025 on the former Whittingham Hospital site, subject to planning approval. The school will include provision for children with special educational needs and will open with multiple year groups to meet demand across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
In the meantime, surplus places in neighbouring primary planning areas – particularly Preston East and Preston West – will be used to accommodate reception pupils starting in 2026.
In terms of secondary places, from September 2026, Ashton Community Science College and Moor Park High School will expand, creating 30 additional places each year, with Fulwood Academy also offering an enlargement opportunity, while plans for a new secondary school continue. Work to identify a site for the new school is ongoing, with the former Tulketh High School site and Maxy Lane Farm still under consideration.
The council has confirmed that a new school is planned, when there is sufficient demand for school places. The design and build process will take at least three years.
Cllr Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
"We are committed to making sure every child in Preston can access the best possible education close to home.
"These expansions will tackle the immediate pressures on school places while supporting high quality pre-existing schools and delivering value for money as places will be provided within existing accommodation, with some minor refurbishment and building work to ensure that requirements are met.
"Alongside this, we will continue due diligence on a new school to meet demand in the future, when sufficient need arises”
The investment will be funded through the council’s Basic Need and Higher Needs budgets, with potential contributions from housing developers and the Department for Education. These measures will ensure every child in Preston can access a school place and support the continued improvement of education standards across the city.