More spaces to be created at oversubscribed school

The project will create an additional 110 sixth form places

A multimillion-pound project to develop an oversubscribed school in Nottinghamshire while creating hundreds of additional pupil places is taking shape.

Nottinghamshire County Council said there was a huge demand for spaces at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy in West Bridgford.

Work on the £27m investment scheme has been taking shape and students will begin moving into new buildings next term.

The project will create 560 new school places in total – including 450 secondary and 110 sixth form places.

Under the plans, a stand-alone teaching block with dining facilities, a sports hall and associated changing facilities is being built.

The school said its existing building will also be repurposed as part of the project.

'Significant impact'

Executive principal at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, Graeme Smith, said: “The new block and repurposing of our existing buildings will have a significant impact on our ability to continue to provide exceptional education to an increased number of students.

“We are excited to start the process of moving into them later this year and then getting started on the repurposing phase of the project.”

Classes will start to be taught in the new expansion building from October.

There was also 60 extra pupils who were admitted to the school last year and the same this year.

Councillor Sam Smith, cabinet member for education, said: “Ensuring every child across Nottinghamshire has access to a good education close to where they live is a priority of mine.

“This expansion of Rushcliffe Spencer Academy and the future possible expansion of both West Bridgford School and South Wolds Academy, which are subject to feasibility and costings, are significant steps being taken by the council to ensure families have access to a good local secondary school.”

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