University Academy Holbeach seeking to expand to meet demand for school places
Proposed plans to expand University Academy Holbeach could see the school admitting an additional 60 pupils each year from September 2020.
In response to a growing demand for secondary school places in the Holbeach
area, the University Academy is beginning a consultation process on a proposal to permanently expand the capacity of the school.
The academy wants to increase its formal capacity from 1,350 to 1,650, including sixth form, which would see the annual intake rise from 180 to 240.
A letter sent to consultees and signed by principal Steven Baragwanath and the chief executive officer of the Lincolnshire Education Trust Andrew Breckon, states: “The Local Authority (LA) has been working with primary providers across Holbeach, Spalding and the wider area to increase the number of school places available to meet growing demand.
“The significant growth in primary pupil numbers will progress into the secondary sector over the years ahead.”
The letter highlights that there is already evidence of a need to expand and reveals that UAH has had to ‘over-offer’ places in recent years to take 210 pupils, with 226 pupils joining this September, the current Year 7 cohort.
Mr Baragwanath told the Free Press: “This is very exciting for the school.
“It is always disappointing when you have to turn youngsters away. Last year we had 275 first preferences and in the end were able to offer 226 places.
“We have been working closely with the Local Authority, who have been very helpful.
“There is currently a bulge coming through primaries, so there is a need for future planning to make sure there will be secondary school places for all pupils in the south of the county.”
A consultation evening is to be held at the academy on Thursday, January 10, at 6pm.
Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed expansion can find copies of all documents relating to the proposal, including an electronic version of the feedback form online at www.universityacademyholbeach.org
• University Academy Holbeach was established in 2011 following the closure of St Guthlac’s School in Crowland and George Farmer Technology and Language College in Holbeach (formerly George Farmer Secondary School).
This summer the academy celebrated its best ever A-level results, with a 100 per cent pass rate, up two per cent on the previous year, and 77 per cent pass rate at A* - C, again to two per cent up on last year.
The school also enjoyed excellent GCSE results.
Previously...
University Academy Holbeach does well in new school tables
GCSE RESULTS DAY: Exam joy at University Academy Holbeach
A-LEVEL RESULTS DAY: University Academy Holbeach sets new record
Son’s award an extra reason for University Academy Holbeach principal to be proud
