Senior councillors to discuss expansion and rebuild plans for Benton Park School in Leeds

A recommendation to increase the number of pupils attending Benton Park Secondary School in Yeadon together with a rebuild of the school is to be considered by senior councillors in Leeds next week.

At the meeting to be held at Civic Hall on Wednesday 13 February, members of the council’s executive board will discuss the proposal to expand pupil numbers from 1225 to 1500 students by increasing admissions from 245 to 300 from September 2021.

The increase in places would help meet the growing demand for school places in north west Leeds, which is the result of new housing in the area and more families with children living there.

The board will also consider a proposal to rebuild the school which began construction in the 1950s and now has significant issues with its condition. The rebuild would offer enhanced new facilities in a more efficient and connected campus.

Subject to feasibility and planning permission, it would be funded by Leeds City Council with an approach to be made to the government for additional support.

Public consultation was held on the expanded pupil numbers last year, with 75 per cent of these supportive of the plans and 19 per cent opposed.

Leeds City Council executive member for learning, skills and employment Councillor Jonathan Pryor said:

“These plans for Benton Park are focused very much on providing the best possible standard of education and learning for our pupils, while addressing the growing need for places in that area of the city.

“It is no secret that there are significant condition issues with the current Benton Park, it is very near the end of its usable life. A rebuilt school would offer a strong future to the pupils and staff. Ofsted speaks of the good quality of education at Benton Park, and the children there deserve a good building to match.”

To see the executive report on Benton Park, go to https://bit.ly/2D8EpPA (agenda item 9).

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007