Salford schools to provide additional places by September

A £17.9 million funding scheme has been approved by Salford City Council to create 230 additional secondary school places and additional specialist provisions to select Salford schools, starting September 2025.

With Salford expanding in terms of population and economic growth, more families moving to the city results in an increasing demand for school places.

Approved on 10 June, the scheme will be funded by capital grants from the Department of Education (DfE) to renovate and refurbish Salford schools to support the increased number of pupils and help children and young people thrive in education.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said: “We want every family to have access to a good local school for their child, delivering not only enough school places but the right school places that support all pupils.”

The plan aims to add an additional 30 places for year seven students at Irlam and Cadishead Academy High School. £500k is planned to be spent on an additional food technology room and classroom to support the additional students.

At Salford City Academy High School, expansions to existing buildings is planned to allow an additional two classrooms in addition to the refurbishment of existing toilet facilities to support an additional 20 year seven places.

Plans to expand the existing dining area and improve the existing play area at The Albion Academy High School should provide the facilities for an additional 20 year seven places.

An additional 22 alternative provision places are expected to be made by using funding to create classrooms, outbreak spaces, an outdoor play area and sensory room at Fiddlers Lane Primary School.

12 specialist provision places are planned for Peel Hall Primary School through a full adaptation of the existing teaching area.

A three-phase expansion and remodeling plan is expected to be completed by early Spring 2026 at Little Hulton Children Centre to accommodate 24 special educational needs students.

There is also set to be increases in school places at Belvedere Nursery, Primrose Hill Primary School and Ellesmere Park High School between September 2025 and September 2026.

Councillor Jim Cammell, said: “By creating more inclusive environments where children and young people can thrive alongside their peers, regardless of ability, background, or where they live, is a positive step forward.”