Formal consultation on capacity expansion from 750 to 900 students.
Introduction
This document initiates a formal consultation regarding the proposed rebuild and expansion of Castle Manor Academy in Haverhill. The purpose of this consultation is to inform local stakeholders, parents, and relevant authorities of a proposed increase in the capacity of the new school building, and to invite feedback on the proposal. This aims to accommodate future needs in line with Local Authority pupil forecasts and ensure the Academy remains fit for purpose in the coming years.
Background
Castle Manor Academy currently accommodates up to 750 students. In response to anticipated demographic changes and to future-proof the school, it is proposed to increase the building’s overall capacity to 900 students. This expansion is designed to support the local community and maintain high educational standards.
Details of Proposed Capacity Change
The proposed building capacity change involves expanding the school’s infrastructure to support up to 900 students, representing a potential increase of 150 places. This initiative is informed by recent Local Authority pupil forecasts, which highlight a sustained rise in demand for school places across the Haverhill area in future years. It is also pertinent to note the closure of the Park Road middle school site some years ago, when pupils transferred to Castle Manor Academy. At that time, the school absorbed the additional students with minimal alterations to the existing facilities, which placed pressure on resources and space. The current expansion proposal aims to ensure that the Academy is properly equipped to meet future demand, maintaining both accessibility and the quality of education for all students.
Building Specifications
The expansion will include the provision of specialist classrooms, designed to support a broad and balanced curriculum. All building works will adhere strictly to the Department for Education (DfE) standards and regulations, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and best practice in educational provision. Specialist facilities will be constructed to accommodate modern teaching methods and the diverse needs of students.
Alignment with Local Authority Forecasts
The proposal is informed by robust pupil projections provided by the Local Authority. Increasing the school building’s capacity will future-proof Castle Manor Academy, enabling it to respond effectively to anticipated future increases in student numbers. This approach supports the long-term sustainability of the school and the wider educational landscape in Haverhill.
Published Admission Number (PAN)
It is important to note that we are not proposing a change at this point to the school’s Published Admission Number (PAN), which will remain unchanged at 150 students per year group. The PAN determines the maximum number of students admitted to each year group and is distinctly different from the capacity of the school. The increase in capacity is intended solely to accommodate future growth and ensure adequate provision for all students.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
The proposed works and operational changes will be carried out in accordance with all relevant Department for Education’s standards and regulations. The school will ensure full legal compliance throughout the expansion process, including adherence to health and safety, accessibility, and safeguarding requirements. All statutory obligations will be met to guarantee a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.
Consultation Process
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on this proposal during the consultation period. Comments, suggestions, and challenges may be submitted via the following channels:
- Email: consultation@castlemanor.org.uk.
- Post: Attn. CMA Consultation, Unity Schools Partnership, Homefield Road, Haverhill, CB9 8QP.
All responses must be submitted by Thursday 30th April 2026. Every submission will be carefully reviewed and considered prior to any final decision. If you wish to challenge any aspect of the proposal, please clearly state your grounds and supporting evidence in your submission. Following the consultation, a final statement will be confirmed to the Department for Education by 15/05/2026.
Conclusion
In summary, the proposed expansion of Castle Manor Academy’s buildings from 750 to accommodate up to 900 students aims to ensure the school remains responsive to meet future demand, without immediately altering the Published Admission Number. We encourage all stakeholders to participate in this consultation and share their views. The outcome of this process will inform the next steps and final decision regarding the capacity increase.