New secondary school applies for extension

Manor Drive Secondary Academy in Peterborough is due to welcome its fifth intake next year

A new secondary school has applied to build an extension as it prepares for a full intake of pupils.

Manor Drive Secondary Academy, which opened in 2022, has submitted a planning application to Peterborough City Council.

The ground floor extension would consist of a larger dining area and rooms for maintenance workers, but also space dedicated to pupil safeguarding.

In its statement to the council, a spokesperson for the school said the work would help pupils "thrive both academically and personally in a supportive school environment".

"This provision is central to the academy's commitment to nurturing every student's personal development, emotional wellbeing, and safety," they added.

The school is run by Four Cs Multi Academy Trust which is responsible for seven academies in Peterborough, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In its application, the trust said the spaces dedicated to safeguarding would offer students "a calm, supportive environment where they can receive guidance, wellbeing support, or restorative conversations when needed".

It "became apparent" more space was required, the trust added.

According to the government website, the school has 446 pupils, but with capacity to go up to 720.

In September 2026, it is due to welcome its fifth intake, meaning it will be teaching pupils in every year group for the first time.

Planners at the authority are due to decide on the application at a later date.