The formal planning process for a new secondary school in Wisbech is underway. 

The Wisbech Academy’s proposed scheme includes a main three-storey building, with four sports areas and a car park.  

Consultants working on behalf of the Department for Education have submitted early documents about the project to Fenland District Council.  

In this “screening opinion”, they have formally asked planners if an environmental assessment is required.  

At the end of the document, London-based DPP Planning explains it feels one is not necessary.  

The letter also provides an overview of the new school being proposed for the central southern section of the Thomas Clarkson Academy site. 

It says: “The building will accommodate specialist facilities such as classrooms, workshops, dining and main hall, alongside general teaching facilities such as offices, toilets, and a library.  

“Throughout the three floors there will be three stairwells which sit to the south, centre and north of the school building, with the main corridors running centrally down the spine of the building.  

“The dining and main hall will sit to the south of the building.”  

Landscaping will “ensure [the scheme] is integrated within the existing surrounding context”.  

Meanwhile, a circular car parking area is being proposed to the east of the new school buildings.  

Cycle spaces and electric car charging provision will also be included. 

The documents were validated by Fenland planners on Monday (August 12). 

The Wisbech Academy had its opening brought forward to this September because of the urgent need for secondary school places.   

Some students from the Wisbech area were offered a placement 30 miles away in Littleport.  

Temporary arrangements are being put in place for the initial cohort of Year 7 students while the permanent school is being built. 

Both Thomas Clarkson Academy and The Wisbech Academy will be run by the Brooke Weston Trust.  

Richard Scott is now executive principal of the two schools.   

In June, the trust said it received “more than 100 applications” for The Wisbech Academy and all applicants were offered a place.  

This took the pressure off other nearby secondary schools which were already over subscribed.