Plans approved for new Wisbech secondary school

A new secondary school is set to be built in Wisbech, which will have a focus on science, technology, engineering and maths.

The executive principal of the new school said it will be a place where young people can ‘learn, belong, be supported, and thrive’.

Fenland District Council approved plans on Wednesday to build the new secondary school off Weasenham Lane, next to Thomas Clarkson Academy.

The new school will be separate from Thomas Clarkson Academy, but is due to be run by the same academy trust.

Up to 600 pupils will be able to attend once it is built, with around 50 to 70 full-time equivalent staff members expected to be employed there.

The school will be three-storeys, approximately 15.3 metres tall, and will have a flat roof where a “large” array of solar panels are proposed to be installed.

Richard Scott, executive principal at the new secondary school, told councillors that there is a “clear and growing need” for the school and said families in Wisbech are “seeking high-quality education for their children”.

He said: “The new Wisbech Academy will be a distinct school with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and maths and a smaller, more personalised environment.

“A state-of-the-art permanent school will be ideal in supporting such a curriculum.

“It would not be isolated, its location next to Thomas Clarkson Academy allows for meaningful collaboration, something which is already under way, and it will bring shared benefits, from curriculum support to economies of scale, and the campus with its wide range of sports facilities will also be available to the wider community.

“We are proud that Thomas Clarkson achieved two consecutive ‘good’ Ofsted ratings, the first in its history, and this success gives us the confidence that as part of Brooke Weston Trust, the same academy chain, the new school will be in strong hands with a leadership team that understands the local context and is committed to continuous improvement.

“Many of our young people face significant challenges, and the demographic of the school represents some of the poorest youngsters in Cambridgeshire and in Eastern England more generally.

“The school will offer them not just a place to learn but a place to belong, to be supported, and to thrive.

“It will open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.

“Importantly, the school also offers a broadened, enriching curriculum with access to high-quality facilities and extracurricular activities that will help to build confidence, ambition, and a sense of purpose with these young people.

“We want every student to feel that their aspirations are valid and achievable and that they are part of a school community that believes in their potential.”

Some concerns about the project had been raised by Wisbech Town Council, which had objected to the planning application.

The town council said it believed the plans would be an “overdevelopment of the site”, and claimed it would have a “detrimental impact on the amenity of nearby neighbours” due to the “additional traffic and likelihood of inconsiderate parking”.

Mr Scott said he recognised the concerns raised about traffic and congestion and explained that a “robust travel plan” would be put in place from the outset, which would also be reviewed every year.

He said: “We are committed to being good neighbours and to working with the community to ensure the school’s presence is a positive one.

“Above all, we see this as a chance to invest in the future of Wisbech, its young people, its families and its wider community.”

Oliver Corbett, the planning agent, added that the contractors will work “closely in accordance with the construction management plan” to try to avoid any “detrimental impacts” during construction.

Cllr Jan French said they need a new secondary school and said she was also pleased the executive principal had confirmed there will be places for children with special education needs and/or disabilities at the new school.

Cllr Ian Benney said he agreed that the secondary school is something that is needed in the town.

He said: “Why we have an objection from Wisbech Town Council is beyond me, this is something we need, Wisbech is a growing town and we certainly need schools, children need an education.”