SCHOOL PLANS 7 NEW CLASSROOMS
Academy could host an extra 150 pupils
ONE of the city’s most popular schools has unveiled plans for a new extension so it can create space for an extra 150 pupils.
The proposals for Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy, in Blurton, would help address the shortage of secondary places across the city.
Now families are being asked for their views on the scheme, which is being developed in partnership with Stoke-on-trent City Council.
It comes after The Sentinel revealed the local authority hopes to secure £11.5 million in Government funding in 2021/22 for a range of school expansion projects.
The proposed three-storey block at Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews would mean an extra 30 pupils a year could be admitted to the school. By 2025, that would mean educating an additional 150 students, bringing the total roll to around 1,250.
For the past few years, the academy has been significantly oversubscribed, and it had to turn away 20 pupils for Year 7 places this coming September.
A design document, drawn up by the council, states: “The extension will create an additional seven classrooms, including two science labs and two flexible teaching spaces, which will allow the school further options when arranging the teaching of the curriculum.”
There could also be a new rooftop extension created on the footprint of the existing roof terrace. The new block would connect to the main building via a ‘high-level’ corridor.
School leaders say the work would be funded by the council and could be completed in time for the 2022/23 academic year.
In a letter to parents, principal Nick Brennan said: “The trustees see the academy’s proposed expansion as an opportunity to meet the increasing demand for places within the local area, while continuing to offer an excellent education to all students.”
The school will need to gain permission from the regional schools commissioner to extend its intake as it is classed as a ‘significant change’ to current numbers.
People have until April 16 to lodge their views as part of the consultation.