The schemes form part of our wider programme to support the transition to a primary and secondary education system, ensuring local schools have the capacity and facilities needed to meet future demand.
The approved developments include expansions at Cranfield Church of England Academy (St Paul's), Holywell School and both the Church End and Forest End sites of Marston Moreteyne VC School, all of which made the transition to either primary or secondary schools in September.
Together, the projects will provide capacity for an additional 693 pupils and around 60 members of staff, while delivering new classrooms, improved sports facilities, enhanced outdoor spaces and a range of sustainability measures.
At Cranfield Church of England Academy (St Paul's), capacity will increase from 147 to 420 pupils through the construction of a new two-storey teaching block, refurbishment of existing buildings and improvements to outdoor facilities.
At Holywell School, capacity will rise from 720 to 900 pupils through a new teaching block and refurbishment works, alongside improved sports facilities including a new multi-use games area.
Marston Moreteyne VC School's Church End and Forest End campuses will each expand by 120 places, supporting their development into full primary schools as part of the area's education transition programme.
The developments include a range of measures designed to support safe and sustainable journeys to and from school, including additional cycle and scooter parking and updated travel plans, with councillors agreeing conditions for further work continuing alongside schools, local communities and council officers as the projects progress.
All 4 schemes incorporate environmental enhancements, including biodiversity improvements, new planting and habitat creation. Sustainability features across the developments include solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, our Executive Member for Children and Families, said:
"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that helps them thrive, and these projects will create modern, fit-for-the-future facilities that support teaching, learning and wellbeing.
"The new classrooms, improved sports and outdoor facilities, and enhanced learning spaces will benefit both current and future pupils, while ensuring schools have the capacity they need as we continue our transition to a primary and secondary education system.
"These projects also include significant environmental enhancements and sustainable design features, helping to create schools that are fit for the future while supporting our wider ambitions around sustainability and community wellbeing.
"I am pleased that the schemes also include measures to support safe and sustainable journeys to and from school, with further work continuing alongside schools, local communities and us as the projects progress."
Subject to the discharge of planning conditions, work on the approved developments will now begin to progress.
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