Plans for new Saltbrook Primary Academy in Sawtry submitted

The proposal, which was submitted by Cambridgeshire County Council, is for a two-form entry primary school, with an on-site early years facility in Sawtry.

The school will serve residents of the new housing development in the village and will be called Saltbrook Primary Academy.

It was granted outline planning consent in 2021, when the wider development of northern Sawtry was approved, and the land was safeguarded for the primary school.

Saltbrook is expected to meet the growing number of children within the catchment area, and once complete it will accommodate up to 420 pupils, a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said.

Work on the school will be constructed in two phases, and the first phase is expected to be completed before the school is required.

The first phase will be a one-form entry school for 210 pupils, where there will be one class per year group, and an early years facility.

The second phase will see the school expand to become a two-form entry.

The Meridian Trust will run the new school.

In terms of an opening date, Cambridgeshire County Council, the Department of Education and the Meridian Academy Trust will keep it under review.

It is anticipated that the school will open to reception year applications only, but will expand over time as the first intake moves up.

Management of the early years facility will be offered closer to the time, and it will open up with 52 places, subject to demand.

Saltbrook Primary Academy has been developed and designed by the council with low-carbon emissions in mind.

It is set to have roof-mounted solar panels, natural ventilation and a reduced reliance on artificial lighting.

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