A new primary school could be opened on the site of Malcolm Arnold Academy, it has been revealed.
The David Ross Education Trust, which sponsors Malcolm Arnold Academy, has launched a consultation on plans to open a new primary free school on the same site as the secondary school in Trinity Avenue.
It is proposed the free school would teach 210 primary pupils from reception through to year six.
Wendy Marshall, chief executive of the David Ross Education Trust, said: “It is clear that there is a significant shortfall regarding the number of places in primary schools in Northampton. The local authority is making plans to accommodate over 4,400 more pupils by 2014.
“If we could develop a free school on the land around Malcolm Arnold Academy, the pupils would be able to share facilities and benefit from all the resources that are currently at the academy. It would also improve parental choice and help pupils in their transition to secondary school.”
The David Ross Education Trust already sponsors Cedar Road and Eastfield Primary Schools in Northampton, Welton C of E Academy in Daventry and has plans to sponsor The Arbours Primary School in Northampton
Mrs Marshall said: “By being part of the trust, the primary free school will be able to benefit from the enrichment opportunities that our other primaries already enjoy.
“For example, just next year we already have trips for year five and six pupils to visit universities, seven schools are going on outward-bound courses and we are even opening our own model farm for children to visit regularly.”
At this stage it is proposed that the free school will be called Malcolm Arnold Primary Free School.
For more information, go to www.dret.co.uk/news-and-events/primary-free-school-overview
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