Trent Basin: Primary school opening delayed due to low demand

The Waterside Primary Academy was due to open in Trent Lane

A new primary school in Nottingham will not open as planned in September due to low demand.

The Waterside Primary Academy was due to open in the growing Trent Basin estate, providing spaces for 210 pupils as well as 30 full-time nursery spaces.

The project, overseen by the Department for Education (DfE) and operated by the Greenwood Academies Trust, forms a part of the Waterside Redevelopment Zone.

The opening is now on hold until the 2025-26 academic year.

In a letter seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Nottingham City Council told parents who selected the school as a preferred option that its opening had been delayed.

It says the occupancy rates of family housing in Waterside and surrounding areas have not met predicted levels, while the school received fewer applications than expected by the admissions deadline of January.

'Further discussions'

The school was due to create 22 staff roles, and a resident who lives nearby - who asked not to be named - said the news was "disastrous" for the area.

A council spokesperson confirmed the authority had contacted the parents and carers of affected pupils to inform them and resolve any issues or concerns in advance of National Offer Day, which is 16 April.

They added: "Further discussions with the DfE and the Greenwood Academies Trust will be held this week to review next steps and to communicate further with affected families."

The trust confirmed it had been informed of the decision, while a DfE spokesperson said it would continue to work closely with the council "on the opening of a Waterside free school".