Regeneration for Moorlands School as trust plans upgrade of site and new buildings

Moorlands School, the new independent grammar school in Leagrave, is going to be extensively upgraded, including new buildings, following a consultation with parents.
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Published 16th Nov 2022, 07:15 GMT
Updated 16th Nov 2022, 13:10 GMT
Fresh start for Moorlands SchoolFresh start for Moorlands School
Fresh start for Moorlands School

A school wide consultation with the parents, as well as those from King’s House School, its linked prep-school, has been held over the future location of the grammar school.

The new school project is designed to meet the rising demand from parents across the town for an independent secondary school offering places to local pupils.

Dr Andrew Cook, on behalf of the KHM Education Trust, said: “As the result of demand we were able to launch our first Year 7 in September 2021, and admitted another Year 7 intake in September, and are now about to begin the admissions process for September 2023.”

“It has been particularly notable that parents and prospective parents have consistently told us that a new site must be in close proximity to our current site in Leagrave”“It has been particularly notable that parents and prospective parents have consistently told us that a new site must be in close proximity to our current site in Leagrave”
“It has been particularly notable that parents and prospective parents have consistently told us that a new site must be in close proximity to our current site in Leagrave”

An extensive process was undertaken by the Trust’s team of specialists from technical disciplines including planning, architecture, transport and construction. The spokesman added: “Throughout this fourteen-month period, it has been particularly notable that parents and prospective parents have consistently told us that a new site must be in close proximity to our current site in Leagrave”.

A host of potential sites were initially identified from a shortlist drawn up by consultants. Using an objective evaluation process, each of these sites was rated. This included a technical assessment which looked at elements focussed on the ability of each site to support a new school.

From a locational point of view, the Trust were keen to consider the Government’s proposed Lower Sundon corridor project. When this eventually comes about, a new east-west road would create a corridor between Lower Sundon Village and the Bramingham area of north Luton, some 2.5 km north-east of Moorlands’ current location. This would not only bring about new housing, but new employment, retail and educational provision.

The Trust resolved that while this location has many attractions, particularly in terms of accessibility, it is not a short-term option, as delays to the project have been forecast due to the current economic climate.

Dr Cook added: “We have therefore agreed with the consortium behind the project that we will reserve our potential interest until firm decisions about the timing of the project are made by the consortium and Central Beds Council.”

Many parents who took part in the consultation were keen on the Sundon corridor project, as it met a great many of the criteria. However, in terms of the intermediate period, the vast number of responses favoured a combined proposal to re-develop the schools’ current site, in conjunction with demolition work and a new build proposal on the opposite side of the road. This would be added to by the acquisition of additional sports and recreation land.

For more information visit the website at kingshousemoorlands.com

Related topics:Andrew CookGovernmentLuton