New primary school plans to meet local demand

Saltbrook Primary Academy would accommodate a growing number of children moving to Sawtry

A new primary school and early years facility could soon be built, as part of efforts to meet rising demand from local families.

Cambridgeshire County Council has submitted a planning application for Saltbrook Primary Academy in Sawtry, after it was given outline planning consent in 2021.

The facility is being designed for families moving into new housing developments in the northern part of the area.

The project, if approved, would be delivered in two phases, with the first providing a one-form entry school for 210 pupils and an early years facility, before its expansion to a two-form entry, accommodating up to 420 children.

The opening date for the new school would be kept under review by the council, the Department for Education and proposed operator Meridian Academy Trust.

It is anticipated it will initially open to reception year applications only, expanding over time, as the first intake moves up through the school.

The early years facility will open with up to 52 places.

Edna Murphy, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's children and young people committee, said: "I'm very pleased to see the planning application submitted for the new Saltbrook Primary Academy, to serve a growing community in Sawtry.

"We want all children in Cambridgeshire to have opportunities to thrive, so we're building this new school to make sure that in the future we can continue to offer people living in Sawtry an education close to home."

The council added that the school had been designed with low-carbon emissions in mind, and included roof-mounted solar panels, natural ventilation and a reduced reliance on artificial lighting.