School places in Bishop's Cleeve
Since 2007 there has been an increase in the birth rate which has, in many locations, resulted in a higher demand for school places. There is also more demand from new housing, which means there has been an increase in the need for primary school places year on year in Bishop's Cleeve.
Since 2011 the demand has been met by working collaboratively with schools in the primary sector to expand and increase the number of pupils they can take each year (their Published Admission Number [PAN]). However, the existing primary school sites in Bishop's Cleeve aren't able to expand enough to meet this increasing new demand so we are proposing to build a new primary school.
Proposal for a new primary school in Bishop's Cleeve
The new £11 million carbon neutral primary school will be built to the north of the village on land next to the Old Farmers Arms on Evesham Road. The school will initially open to 60 Reception children (two forms of entry) in 2023/24, and will gradually be expanded in line with housing growth to three forms of entry from 2030, eventually teaching 630 local children.
The new purpose-built school will be designed and constructed to be carbon neutral, in line with the council’s commitment to be a carbon neutral county by 2045.
Public consultation / planning update
Gloucestershire County Council and members of the design team have now held two consultation events, inviting members of the public and key stakeholders to view and comment on the proposals for the new school. The deadline to submit feedback following the latest consultation event has now closed.
Gloucestershire County Council and the design team have now submitted the planning application for the proposed new school. The proposals can be found via the planning portal, under planning ref: 22/0003/TWR3MJ.
School delivery / opening update
Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Learning Alliance have made the decision to delay the opening of Greenacres Primary Academy by one year. This decision has been taken following an update on the pre-construction programme for the delivery of the building and the recently updated GCC pupil forecast data for the Bishops Cleeve area.
The latest contractor’s programme for the construction of the school (which is currently in for planning) is showing completion in early summer 2024, to open in September 2024. The latest forecast data, taking into account the impact of the pandemic on population growth, is now showing that a small amount of places available in September 2023 within the existing schools in Bishop’s Cleeve. Demand for the new school places will however be there for September 2024.
It was agreed by all that it would not be appropriate to add additional capacity to the Bishop’s Cleeve area when there would already be surplus places in September 2023. Based on the information we have to hand, the decision was made to delay the opening of the school by one year. The school will now be opening in September 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the school be located?
The school will be located on land adjacent to Old Farmers Arms, Evesham Road, Bishops Cleeve – GL52 8SA
When will the school open?
The proposed new primary school will open for children in Reception from September 2024 and will continue to grow year on year in Reception. The school will not open for all year groups from September 2024.
What size will the school be?
The new school will grow in two phases, initially opening at 2 Forms of Entry (420 places) from 2024/25, growing to 3 Forms of Entry (630 places) approximately seven years after the school opens (sometime in the range of 2030-2033).
Why has this particular location been chosen?
Land for a new primary school is very limited in the Bishop's Cleeve area as much has been taken up for new housing development. This area of land was considered to be in an appropriate size and location to serve the majority of new housing situated to the north of the village.
Can you share the design of the school?
Gloucestershire County Council and members of the design team have now held two consultation events, inviting members of the public and key stakeholders to view and comment on the proposals plans (PDF, 22.3 MB) for the new school. The deadline to submit feedback following the latest consultation event has now closed.
How will the site be accessed during the build/when the school opens?
The proposed site access for the school can be found on page 4-5 of the plans. The contractor will continue to develop their proposed access arrangements during the build process and we will share the proposals in due course.
Will the new school affect parking and traffic in the area?
As part of the design process, the Local Authority and design team have appointed a transport consultant to assess the traffic and highways implications arising from the new school. This assessment will be submitted as part of the formal planning application. The impact on the local highway network arising from the new school will be considered in addition to committed development in the area and, if necessary, mitigation will be proposed to make the development acceptable in planning terms.
Will the new building be sustainable?
The new school will be designed in line with the council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Work to consider the design and sustainability options is currently ongoing.
Will this require planning permission?
Planning permission will be required for any proposals. The Local Planning Authority (Gloucestershire County Council) will provide an independent assessment of the proposed work, which will also be reviewed by other statutory bodies. It will be for them to decide whether to grant planning permission and where necessary to put in place conditions to manage the development, including making sure there is minimal disruption during construction.
Gloucestershire County Council and the design team have now submitted the planning application for the proposed new school. The proposals can be found via the planning portal, under planning ref: 22/0003/TWR3MJ.
Who will run the school?
The Multi Academy Trust, Gloucester Learning Alliance (GLA) has been appointed by the Secretary of State to be the sponsor for the new primary school in Bishop’s Cleeve. The appointment comes after Gloucestershire County Council held a free school presumption route competition inviting Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) to bid to run the new provision. Gloucestershire Learning Alliance currently have 8 schools in the MAT of which 7 are within Gloucestershire.
If planning permission is approved, when will construction start on site?
Subject to surveys and planning approval, it is anticipated that construction may commence in Summer 2022. The building work would be carried out by contractors who are experienced in keeping disruption to a minimum for local residents and the surrounding area. Further details will be added as the scheme progresses so please check this webpage for further updates.
Who will be building the school?
The school will be designed by Roberts Limbrick Architects and constructed by a local family run Gloucestershire firm EG Carter who has been appointed as the principal contractor.
Will my child be able to go to the new school?
Once the Academy Trust has been appointed to run the new school, they will determine their Admission Arrangements for September 2024. Parents and carers will be advised to read the Admission Policy expected to be published in 2023.
Why is a drop off or parking area not being provided for parents?
We are following the latest manual for Gloucestershire Streets as guidance produced by the local highway authority, Gloucestershire County Council Highways Development Management, for all new development. With specific reference to educational facilities it identifies that ‘Drop off areas are not accepted as they do not represent the promotion of sustainable travel’. This follows a wider emphasis on the design of new development from central Government, which wants to actively facilitate and encourage a much greater take up of walking and cycling and reduce the use of cars over the coming years. The significant pedestrian and cycle infrastructure proposals that form part of this new school will fully enable pupils to walk/scooter/cycle to the site.
Who can I contact if I would like to ask a question about this proposal?
Any comments or questions can be raised by e-mailing: paul.kear@gloucestershire.gov.uk or by calling Paul Kear, Education Planning Manager on: 01452 328680