Work begins on expansion of Northstowe Secondary College to create sixth form and primary school

Work has begun on a major expansion of Northstowe Secondary College to create a new sixth form, primary school and pre-school.

The works also include an expansion of the existing secondary school to provide an additional 600 places.

The new 400-place sixth form will include SEND provision while the pre-school will offer 156 half-day places, and the primary school will offer places for 630 pupils.

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “The education of our children and young people is at the heart of what we do, and this complex of schools and learning centres will enable the county council – together with its partners – to deliver our ambitions for Northstowe.”

Government land and funding has been provided by Homes England to enable the works to take place.

Homes England is responsible for delivering phases two and three at Northstowe as master developer over the next 20 years.

The council, as the education authority, will manage the development, with construction partner Kier leading on the design and build of the facilities.

Matthew Brown, head of large sites at Homes England, said: “This is a major milestone for Northstowe, marking a significant step forward in the town’s journey and making way for the next generation of learners in the local area.

“Cambridgeshire is renowned for its educational prowess, and Northstowe Learning Community will provide further inspirational learning facilities that enable the growing local community to access quality education on their doorstep and thrive.”

Dennis Cotton, regional director for Kier Construction Cambridge & Rushden, added: “Using our extensive experience of building high-quality schools in Northstowe and across the UK, we are proud to design and deliver this new, state-of-the-art learning centre for the local student community.

“Kier has completed construction on phase one of the project and we look forward to working closely with Cambridgeshire County Council and Meridian Trust as we continue to create an innovative space where students will be inspired to learn.”

Meridian Trust, which operates Northstowe Secondary College and Martin Bacon Academy, will run the primary school and sixth form.

Carole Moss, headteacher of Northstowe Secondary College, said: “The start of these works heralds an exciting new chapter for all of us in the Northstowe Learning Community and our wider colleagues across Meridian Trust.

“The introduction of the new primary school and sixth form will allow us to make our Northstowe Learning Community a truly unique all-through experience, offering a smooth and inclusive transition and a consistent level of high-quality education throughout every life stage.”