Up to 693 additional school places will be created across Cranfield and Marston Moretaine with the expansion of four major school projects.

The plans form part of the Central Beds Council's wider programme supporting the transition to a primary and secondary education system, ensuring local schools have the capacity and facilities needed to meet future demand.

The developments include expansions at Cranfield Church of England Academy (St Paul's), Holywell School and both the Church End and Forest End sites of Marston Moreteyne VC School. All made the transition to either primary or secondary schools in September.

Together, the projects will provide capacity for an additional 693 pupils and around 60 members of staff, with new classrooms, improved sports facilities, enhanced outdoor spaces and a range of sustainability measures planned.

An artist's impression of the new teaching block to be built at Holywell School

placeholder image — An artist's impression of the new teaching block to be built at Holywell School

Capacity at Cranfield Church of England Academy (St Paul's), will increase from 147 to 420 pupils with a new two-storey teaching block, refurbishment of existing buildings and improvements to outdoor facilities.

At Holywell School, capacity will rise from 720 to 900 pupils with a new teaching block and refurbishment works, plus improved sports facilities including a new multi-use games area.

Marston Moreteyne VC School's Church End and Forest End campuses will each expand by 120 places.

The developments also include a range of measures designed to support safe and sustainable journeys to and from school with additional cycle and scooter parking and updated travel plans.

An artist's impression of the new two-storey teaching block to be built at Cranfield Church of England Academy (St Paul's site).

All four schemes feature environmental enhancements, including biodiversity improvements, new planting and habitat creation. Sustainability features across the developments include solar panels, air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Councillor Gareth Mackey, Central Bedfordshire Council's executive member for children and families, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that helps them thrive, and these projects will create modern, fit-for-the-future facilities that support teaching, learning and wellbeing.

"The new classrooms, improved sports and outdoor facilities, and enhanced learning spaces will benefit both current and future pupils, while ensuring schools have the capacity they need as we continue our transition to a primary and secondary education system.

"These projects also include significant environmental enhancements and sustainable design features, helping to create schools that are fit for the future while supporting our wider ambitions around sustainability and community wellbeing.

"I am pleased that the schemes also include measures to support safe and sustainable journeys to and from school, with further work continuing alongside schools, local communities and us as the projects progress."

Work on the developments are due to begin subject to planning conditions.