Schools to over-admit pupils amid new academy delay

Some schools in Cambridge will over-admit pupils amid long delays to a secondary academy on a new housing development.

Darwin Green Academy in the north of the city had initially hoped to open its doors to pupils in September 2020, but it still does not have planning permission.

In a letter to parents of children due to start Year 7 in 2027, Cambridgeshire County Council said it forecast more children would need spaces in the area than were currently available.

At least 95 more places have been made available across four schools - three of which are in the south of the city.

It is hoped the school will be completed in November 2028, with a possibility of a "partial opening" in September of that year, according to a letter from Cambridgeshire County Council's education director Sarah Callaghan.

A public meeting in February was told of a possible option to have the first cohort of children for the new school in an alternative location, such as seven miles (11.2km) away at Northstowe Primary School.

But Callaghan confirmed in September 2027 "some existing secondary schools in the city will increase their Year 7 intake (over-admit) to accommodate additional pupils".

Netherhall, St Bede's and Trumpington have each agreed to over-admit by 30 pupils if required, while North Cambridge Academy has said it could over-admit by five.

Callaghan said: "This option allows children to start secondary school in established settings and remain there, rather than moving between sites."

Rory Clark, a Liberal Democrat county councillor for the area including Darwin Green, said: "I am pleased to see that families have been listened to. There was a clear desire for this outcome, and it is right that this was heard.

"I remain frustrated that past actions mean our communities lack the school places that are so badly needed. I will continue to work to get Darwin Green Academy built and opened as soon as possible."

Clark said a public consultation on the designs for the new school would take place on 16 July.

A spokesperson for Barratt and David Wilson Homes South Midlands, which is behind the Darwin Green development, said: "The county council are currently preparing a planning application for the secondary school at Darwin Green, and we are working closely with them to help facilitate the delivery of the school."

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