Diocese hopes to open three new schools in Leeds

A high-performing Church of England academy chain is hoping to receive community support for an application to open three new schools in Leeds to help meet the growing demand for places.

Abbey multi-academy trust currently comprises Abbey Grange in West Park, St Chad's Primary in Headingley and Lightcliffe Academy in Calderdale near Halifax.

The proposals for a primary school and two secondaries (by 2020) would create a total of 2,720 pupil spaces.

School places are in great demand as the birth rate continues to rise and more families move into the city.

Abbey Primary Academy will be based in the Adel and Cookridge area and will eventually cater for 420 pupils aged four to 11. Priory Grange Academy, in East Leeds, will offer places for 1,150 students, aged 11-19, and the Mitre Academy, in inner East Leeds, will have room for 1,150 students.

Carol Kitson, director at Abbey multi-academy trust, said: “There is a clear need for Church of England primary and secondary schools in these areas within Leeds.”

Abbey multi-academy trust is hoping to submit an application to the Department for Education in May or June. The plan is dependant on support from the community, and websites have been set up for the schools where parents can register their support.

Read more here.

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