Congleton Secondary Schools: Proposed Expansion

Plans to expand both of the secondary schools within Congleton will be released for consultation for four weeks from Friday 20th November. An analysis of pupil forecasts, based on the extensive house building programme across the entire Congleton area, shows that there is a need for 150 extra school places at both Eaton Bank Academy and Congleton High School. Cheshire East Local Authority has determined that due to significant housing developments creating the need for additional places, there will be a shortage of secondary provision in the Congleton area, with demand increasing significantly over the coming years.

The proposed implementation date would be September 2023. With both schools fully subscribed, part of the thinking behind the proposal is that more pupils will be able to secure a place at their local secondary school and thus reduce the need for parents to travel across the town (thereby hopefully reducing congestion across Congleton).

Both schools have set out ambitious plans that will include the development of large space areas, additional dining and toilet facilities and provision for both general teaching classrooms and specialist teaching facilities and rooms.

Ed O’Neill Eaton Bank Academy’s Headteacher commented: “Within Congleton we are lucky to have two really successful and high performing secondary schools. Congleton itself is currently booming with growth and expansion, which is exciting and heralds a new chapter in the town’s history”

Jim Barlow, Congleton High School’s Headteacher, commented: “Our expansion proposals ensure that both Eaton Bank and Congleton High School can continue to offer a local high school provision for all Congleton children who will have access to high quality teaching and pastoral care in their own town.”

If approved, the proposal would move Eaton Bank Academy’s PAN (Planned Admission Number) from 180 to 210 and Congleton High School’s PAN from 200 to 230. The funding for the proposed expansions will be generated through Section 106 contributions (agreed with housing developers) and Local Authority Basic Need grants.

To give your views on the proposed expansion, there is an electronic survey online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk. Both schools will also be holding a live, online consultation evening via TEAMS. Further details on the dates of the live events to follow from both schools.