School plans five more classrooms to meet demand

An academy trust has said it plans to expand a senior school to meet rising demand after more than 100 children across the community missed out on a secondary place in September.

Ormiston SWB Academy wants to build five more classrooms to allow for an extra 150 pupils at its site on Dudley Street in Bilston, Wolverhampton.

The proposal involves increasing each year group from 200 to 230 pupils from the 2025/26 academic year.

“This project is essential for the academy and the wider community," the trust said as part of its planning application.

The trust added: "At present, a large number of 11-year-olds who live in Bilston and the surrounding areas cannot attend a school in their community."

It said that in September, 101 children in total were not offered a senior school place after applying.

“Due to the increased popularity and reputation within the city, the academy has been approached to support this," the trust stated.

The plans include new IT and business facilities, upgrading the school's design and technology workshop and an extra science lab in the main school building.

The trust is proposing to create a single-storey block to accommodate the provision on the existing drop-off zone.

The drop-off point would be moved to the opposite side of the school on Prosser Street. It is hoped the relocation would end traffic, congestion and illegal parking on Dudley Street.

In the summer, City of Wolverhampton Council approved plans to spend £3.2m to provide more places at three secondary schools, including the one run by Ormiston SWB Academy.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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