Yahoo News Major milestone for new Nuneaton school with 'IT rich' classrooms and sports hall
Construction has begun on a new secondary school to provide much-needed places in Nuneaton. Work is underway to build the Higham Lane North Academy on the huge Top Farm development.
It will be one of several features across the sprawling site, off Higham Lane, which will also play home to 1,700 new homes. The start of construction was marked with a groundbreaking ceremony.
With site preparations now complete, the lift shaft and first steels already in place, the new school is on schedule for completion in summer 2025. It should then be open to the first Year 7 pupils in September 2025.
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It will be a sister school to Higham Lane School, which is based nearby. Both are part of the Central England Academy Trust.
What will be at the new school?
There will be a two-storey teaching building with what have been described as 'IT-rich' classrooms, science labs, a drama studio, a music room and state-of-the-art classrooms and an indoor sports hall.
The vast outdoor space will feature a four-court Multi-Use Games Area and grass pitches for year-round sports, a drama/performance amphitheatre, a curriculum habitat area, quiet outdoor learning areas, a SEND garden and an external canopied dining area.
It is understood that the sports facilities will be open to the public out of school hours.
Speaking after the groundbreaking ceremony, Ben Elliott, chief financial officer of the Central England Academy Trust said: "This is a significant milestone in the development of Higham Lane North Academy and we are excited to create a learning environment that will enable us to secure excellent academic and holistic outcomes for another 900 local children.
"The cutting-edge facilities at this brand-new school will enable pupils to access not only the broad and balanced knowledge curriculum based on the proven Higham Lane School model but also an innovative education that will encompass digital media, IT, engineering, drama, music, art and ample opportunity for sports recreation and education."
Alex Biddle, project manager of BAM, added: "BAM has extensive experience in delivering education projects across the UK which provide sustainable learning environments, inspire pupils and facilitate local community engagement.
"Making a difference to the communities that we’re working in is a really important driver for BAM and we are delighted that we will deliver this first-class educational facility for young people in Nuneaton."
Families interested in registering an interest in a Year 7 place from September 2025 can complete the online form via the new school website here
