Lawn Manor Academy is taking its first steps towards a major transformation, with plans underway for a brand-new school building. The academy has welcomed its first visit from representatives of the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the government’s School Rebuilding Programme, which aims to rebuild 500 schools over the next decade.
This long-term initiative is a significant investment in the future of education, with new builds like Lawn Manor Academy set to deliver state-of-the-art facilities. These schools will not only provide cutting-edge learning environments but will also be designed to be Net Zero in operation, incorporating adaptable measures to address climate change.
The planning phase for Lawn Manor’s new premises is expected to take up to 18 months, with the doors of the new school projected to open by late 2027. The rebuild will bring substantial improvements to the facilities available to pupils and the local community alike.
Sandra Muir, Headteacher of Lawn Manor Academy, expressed her enthusiasm about the project: “This is a very exciting time for Lawn Manor Academy, and we’re looking forward to working with the Department for Education to create a new school building that will give our pupils the best possible environment for learning, as well as facilities that we can also open up to the local community.”
She added that while the current buildings date back to 1964, the new facilities will include state-of-the-art sports and performing arts areas, as well as a modern library. Muir also noted the importance of keeping the academy’s much-loved forest school area, which has been nurtured by both staff and pupils over the years.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust, and its CEO, Jane Coley, echoed Muir’s optimism: “This is such an exciting time for the whole community at Lawn Manor Academy. The school has been transformed under the leadership of Mrs Muir and her team, and the new school build will be transformational for the students, staff and all in the locality. The whole team at Ascend Learning Trust will be supporting the staff at Lawn Manor Academy as they embark on this wonderful project.”
