The Department for Education has granted approval for the establishment of a secondary school in Walsall, marking a significant development for the region. This free school will receive direct funding from the government.
One potential location under consideration is the former Reedswood golf course. If chosen, this site will contribute an additional 1,100 student placements to the borough.
This announcement has been met with enthusiasm by local authorities and educational leaders. Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Walsall Council said:
“ This is really good news for the borough. The council has been working with local partners and with the Department for Education for some time to make this happen. The new secondary school in Walsall is part of our £1.5 billion plans to transform the borough, creating opportunities for local families and for young people. “
Walsall Council is currently in partnership with the Department for Education to pinpoint the most suitable location for the new school. The overarching goal is to ensure that every child in Walsall receives an exceptional educational foundation and a positive learning environment in the region’s schools.
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, shared this ambitious vision, emphasising the commitment to fostering a favorable learning experience for all students in Walsall.
“Our ambition is that every child in Walsall will have the best possible start and will have a positive learning experience in our schools. Once built and opened this new school will provide more places and more choice for pupils and for their parents and carers. “”
As part of the preparatory phase for the project, preliminary investigations into the former Reedswood golf course site are set to commence this week. These investigations will assess the site’s ground conditions and its suitability for hosting the new school.