Bid to run new school is open to academy trusts

Construction, near Hampton and Yaxley, is due to begin in June 2025 subject to planning permission being granted

Academy trusts have been invited to register interest in operating a proposed new 420-pupil primary school in a township that is currently being built.

The school will serve families moving into the Great Haddon development in south Peterborough, between the A1(M) and Hampton.

The secretary of state for education is expected to select a trust to run the school in the spring, and applications should submitted by Friday, 8 November.

The school will be the first Peterborough City Council will deliver via the "free school presumption route", which means it will be a state-funded academy school, independent of local authority control, and will receive its funding from the government.

'Fastest growing cities'

The school will potentially open one reception class of up to 30 children in September 2025, initially being based at a temporary location nearby.

The school will move to its permanent location a year later and, once established, it hopes to facilitate 60 children in each year group.

An open day about the process is due to be held on Thursday, 14 November at Sand Martin House in the city centre.

Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services at the council, said: "Peterborough is one of the country’s fastest growing cities and we are committed to ensuring that we have the right infrastructure in place to meet the demands of a growing population which will need additional school places.

"This is a unique and exciting opportunity for trusts to get involved in a good quality school that will be essential for the township as it develops."