Two new schools for Walsall will deliver great opportunities for children and young people

Sunday, 2 February 2025 11:25

Plans for two new schools in Walsall are progressing.

Walsall Council is working with the Department for Education (DfE) on two separate proposals, in a bid to increase school places for Walsall’s children and young people.

The DfE previously approved the development of a proposed new secondary school in Walsall and following a successful bid from the council, a further announcement in May 2024 confirmed the DfE plans for a new special educational needs school to be built.

If developed, the two new schools would create a combined 1400 additional school places in Walsall.

The Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, said, “We are working closely with the Department for Education to identify locations for two new schools for Walsall. One will be a special school, the other will be a secondary school. These new schools bring with them great opportunities for children and families across the borough ensuring there are sufficient school places for children in Walsall that need them.

“The former Reedswood golf course is being considered as a potential site for the new secondary school. We are working through a feasibility report with the DfE. As with all projects of this type, we review the need and value for money for the project on an ongoing basis.

“Potential sites within Walsall are also being considered by the DfE for the new special school.”

Councillor Pardeep Kaur, Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills at Walsall Council, said, “We want all our children and young people to access a high-quality education in the borough and the development of two new schools will help us to achieve our ambitions. Our young residents need to be learning in an environment where they feel like they belong, are supported, and are ready for their next stage of learning throughout their entire childhood.

“Our schools are performing well and are outperforming national averages in key areas of education. We will continue to work with Walsall’s Learning Alliance to ensure this remains the case so our children and young people can thrive.”

Once approved, both schools would be free schools, and as such funded directly by government.