Extra school places could be on way to Sandwell academy
Hundreds of extra school places could be created at an Oldbury school in the next year.
Sandwell Council bosses are expected to approve funding to extend Q3 Academy in Langley to provide 480 new places at a meeting tomorrow.
The two-phase project was scheduled for completion in September 2019 to support the projected shortfall in secondary school places in the Sandwell borough – and would include the construction of three additional blocks to the main school building.
But following a government announcement on Basic Need funding, officers have had to review plans.
The proposed second phase will now be to build one block to accommodate both general and specialist teaching areas.
Funding
Subject to further funding announcements, a further third phase will be required to build the remaining two blocks.
Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Work on the second phase of Q3 Langley will begin shortly and is due to be completed in time for September 2019 when a further 240 students will start in Year 7.
“The new building and facilities will be of the highest standard for our students, and provide sufficient space for 480 pupils.
“We are working closely with the academy leadership team on this project, which will help provide much-needed school places.”
The report states: “It is currently projected that an additional 3,845 places will be required in secondary schools by September 2025. While the unprecedented growth in the birth rate experienced over recent years has started to ease, the borough continues to receive a high demand for school places, primarily due to increased migration and retention rates. In particular, Smethwick demand remains high.”
Q3 Academy Langley, built on the former Langley High School site on Moat Road, has nearly 400 students in Years 7 and 8 and will eventually accommodate 1,500 pupils.
