Cleethorpes

It’s all systems go for Beacon Academy’s new school after the scheme was granted planning permission this week.

Work will start shortly on the new cutting edge building, which will increase the popular school’s capacity from 625 to 750. The multi-million pound investment, which has been granted under the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme, will provide a much improved learning environment for all.

The new building will be constructed on existing playing fields before the old buildings are demolished and new outdoor areas remodelled, meaning students will be able to stay in their classrooms throughout the build process.

Jason Thurley, Headteacher at Beacon Academy, said: “This is incredibly exciting news for everyone at Beacon. The new building will transform the school experience for our students and provide fantastic, state-of-the-art facilities to support their learning.

“The investment will also enable us to increase pupil numbers from 625 to 750. As the most oversubscribed school in North East Lincolnshire, this extra capacity is very much welcome. However, we will remain a smaller than average secondary school, enabling us to stay true to our ethos of being a school where all children are known and understood, valued and given opportunities to excel. 

“Thanks to careful design and planning, pupils will be able to continue their lessons in our existing school building throughout the construction without disruption. The new building is scheduled for completion in summer 2025, and will create a superb resource for the whole community. We can’t wait for the work to get started and see our new school start to take shape!”

Josh Greaves, Deputy CEO at Wellspring, added: “At Wellspring, we firmly believe that all children and young people have the right to learn in the highest quality, inspiring, engaging environments. Jason and the team have done amazing work in turning around Beacon’s fortunes from a school previously earmarked for closure, to now the area’s most popular. The Department for Education’s decision to invest in this rebuild and the school is testament to all that work. 

“More students than ever will be able to benefit from the supportive, child-focused approach that Beacon has become known for, and in a building that can provide the resources and opportunities that all children deserve. This is a transformational project for the local community and one that the Wellspring team are thoroughly looking forward to working on.” 

Work is expected to be complete in summer 2025.