Introduction
Following the recommendation made by the Children and Young People Committee on 14 November 2017, we are pleased to confirm that Horizons Education Trust (formerly Spring Common Academy Trust) has been given Secretary of State approval to sponsor the proposed new special free school in Alconbury Weald, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire under Section 6A (the 'free school presumption') of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.
Background
The Horizons Education Trust currently runs the Spring Common Special School in Huntingdon, which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The new school at Alconbury Weald will have 150 places and will serve children and young people aged 3-19 with complex special educational needs living in the development and the surrounding area.
Proposal
On completion, Alconbury Weald will consist of up to 5,000 dwellings, three primary schools providing a total of 1,700 places and an 11-18 school with capacity for 1,200 secondary pupils plus sixth form provision. The first primary school opened in September 2016 and is run by The Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT).
The special school will admit children based on need, up to its capacity of 150 pupils. Although Alconbury Weald will not generate demand for a special school in its own right, it is likely that between a quarter and a third of the pupils attending the school will be residents of the new development.
The £15 million investment for design and construction is being funded by Cambridgeshire County Council combination of basic need allocations, developer contributions and other Council resources.
The school opened in September 2024.
Executive Summary
Have your say
If you would like any further information, please contact:
Clare Cook
Email: Clare.Cook@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
