A SPECIAL school in Oldham which has been put under ‘significant pressure’ by rising pupil numbers has applied to build new classrooms and playground.
The trustees of New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, who run Hollinwood Academy, say they urgently need to expand its teaching facilities as the number of children attending the school has risen beyond its capacity.
Originally designed to cater for 140 pupils, over the past two years the admissions to the Failsworth school have soared to 161.
This has led to an ‘insufficient number of classrooms’ which can adequately accommodate larger pupil groups, the school says.
It opened in 2015 on the former Kaskenmoor school site, and was designed to offer ‘state-of-the-art specialist provision’ for pupils aged four to 19 who have autism or social communication needs.
They are now seeking permission from Oldham council to build four new classrooms over two-storeys.
The new extension would fill the gap between the existing Hollinwood Academy school building and fellow special secondary school New Bridge Academy which sits alongside.
A secure playground area would also be created outside, featuring a canopy to provide a ‘multi-use’ sheltered play and games area which could be used in all weathers all year round.
A design and access statement by Cowan Building Consultancy, on behalf of the school states: “The increase in pupils numbers has had a profound effect on the school’s existing accommodation which is now under significant pressure.
“The need to provide additional enhanced teaching accommodation is an essential requirement to ensure the future development of the school to cope with growing pupil numbers, due to the high demand for places at the school.”
The main ground floor accommodation of the proposed extension will comprise of two new classrooms, office and entrance lobby.
The first floor accommodation also includes two new classrooms and an office.
A new fire alarm system will be installed in the new building and linked into the existing system in the main school.
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