Oldham school seeks council permission for major expansion

Spring Brook Upper School in Failsworth, part of the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, is seeking planning permission for a new standalone teaching block.

If approved, the new block would enable the relocation of its lower school pupils from the current segregated site it shares with Lyndhurst Primary School in Hollins.

Spring Brook Academy, a special school catering to children aged five to 14 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, currently operates across two Oldham sites.

A planning statement submitted as part of the planning application stated the trust has aspirations to combine the lower school and upper school pupils together on a single site.

The lower school, which serves 48 Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils, shares its site with a mainstream school in Hollins, while the upper school in Failsworth accommodates 65 Key Stage 3 pupils.

Discussions about combining the two sites have been ongoing since 2020.

The proposed solution is to construct a new building on the upper school site, which would solely accommodate lower school pupils.

The proposed two-storey extension would offer purpose-built classrooms, learning resource areas, and facilities tailored for younger children.

It would be linked to the existing school by a new corridor.

The planning documents acknowledge that the current upper school building cannot accommodate more pupils.

Much of the site’s existing staff office space is also scheduled to be vacated by trust employees in late 2026, freeing up further space for school use.

Oldham Council has indicated its backing for the project.

A report to the council’s cabinet in November 2025 recommended approval for capital investment in the scheme, which would be funded through a mix of Basic Need Grant and High Needs Capital Allocation funding.

The preferred option backed by the council aligns with its SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2027.

The extension would be built on the site’s existing multi-use games area (MUGA), along the southern boundary of the school grounds.

A replacement MUGA would be created by reconfiguring the current parking area and hardstanding.

Additional parking would be provided in front of the new building.

A secure drop-off and pick-up zone for lower school pupils is also planned.

The design brief for the extension emphasises a safe, calm, and comfortable space for children with SEMH needs.

It aims to create a “school within a school,” with its own entrance and facilities while remaining closely connected to the main building.

Each classroom will have an adjacent intervention and co-regulation room, providing space for children who need time away from the classroom environment.

Ground floor rooms will open directly onto outdoor play and learning areas to support a variety of activities.

The extension will feature a 'visually distinct' design, with red brickwork on the ground floor and timber-effect cladding above.

The project will be built in line with Department for Education standards for accessibility and special educational needs.

The internal environment will feature level floors, slip-resistant surfaces, and corridors wide enough for two wheelchair users to pass.

Acoustic insulation and sound-absorbing ceilings will also be included.