Additional capacity for educational settings approved to support pupil demand in Salford

More children and young people will be supported to achieve and thrive in schools across Salford from September 2025 with the decision made by Salford City Council today (Tuesday 10 June) to approve additional capacity of 230 places in local schools.

As a key priority within Salford City Council’s Corporate Plan 2024 to 2028 to being a Child Friendly City, at the council’s Cabinet meeting additional school capacity has been approved to help ensure children in Salford have access to the highest quality education and to raise attainment.

From September 2025, as part of the council’s pupil place planning projects being delivered across Salford, additional places will be created for:

• Ellesmere Park High School in Year 7, which will also expand from September 2026 increasing from a 750 to a 900 place high school.
• Year 7 places at Irlam & Cadishead Academy High School, Salford City Academy High School and The Albion Academy High School.
• Reception Year places at Primrose Hill Primary School.
• Specialist provision places for children with complex needs across Fiddlers Lane Primary School, Peel Hall Primary School, Little Hulton Children’s Centre and Belvedere Nursery.

The overall delivery cost of the schemes is £17.9 million, with capital grant funding from DfE to help create the additional mainstream and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places. The allocation of funds will include works to be undertaken for the expansion of existing buildings, renovations, refurbishment, building modifications and to external areas that will support the increased number of pupils.
 
With Salford one of the fastest growing places in the North of England in terms of population and economic growth, more families have moved into the city resulting in demand for school places inevitably increasing. To meet this demand, the council will continue to work closely with academies and schools to identify ways to provide more places.

Additionally, the council’s investment in SEND provision means more children can access tailored support within their local communities, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, said: “A key priority of the council is working towards becoming a UNICEF Child Friendly City to make Salford a great place for children and young people to have quality opportunities to learn.

“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, provide specialist support and help to improve children’s outcomes.

“Council officers are working hard to make sure that families do not face limited options, or have to find educational provision outside their local community.

“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.”

Salford City Council forecast the need for school places and produce yearly projected pupil forecast data, which is monitored for demand throughout the year.