Derbyshire School Plans Under Review, Drawing Council Leaders’ Criticism

The proposed development of four “desperately needed schools” in Derbyshire is facing a re-evaluation, a decision that has drawn criticism from Conservative leaders within the county council. These projects, including New House Farm and Infinity Park Spencer Academy in South Derbyshire, the Avenue in Wingerworth, and a planned sixth form in Bolsover, are now uncertain following a government review to assess their value for money. It is noted that these educational facilities had previously received approval from the preceding Conservative government. According to documents from Derbyshire County Council, the Infinity Park school project was slated for completion through a government building program, with an anticipated readiness by early 2026. As of October 2024, the government’s national register of approved free schools includes it as being in a “pre-opening phase.” The Avenue primary school also appears on this identical list. The approval for Bolsover’s sixth form came after sustained requests for enhanced higher education opportunities in the locality. This area was identified as one of several “disadvantaged” regions, and former Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak had visited Bolsover to commemorate the initial announcement. Alex Dale, the cabinet member for education at the council, expressed that he is “extremely disappointed” that the government “has cast such a huge shadow of doubt over these four desperately needed new schools.” He further stated, “These projects were all signed off… following a rigorous process and a huge amount of evidence gathering to support them.” Dale also remarked, “The fact that these projects are all now under review, with the looming threat of being axed, is a huge slap in the face to everyone who’s been working so hard to make them happen and to the communities that rightly expect to see the government honour a commitment to provide them with a local school for their children.” Dale indicated that withdrawing support for these schools might compel the council to finance them during the “worst possible time,” given ongoing financial difficulties. Leaders of the council have communicated their apprehensions to the government in writing. Charlotte Cupit, the cabinet member for highways, noted in a Facebook post that significant design and ecological survey work for the Avenue school had been finalized “months ago.” She stated, “We were expecting a new planning application to be submitted by DfE and then construction to start.” Cupit added, “We will continue to make the case for this project to be given the go-ahead ASAP. “The current delay is really disappointing but, even worse, would be a decision to scrap the new school.” A spokesperson for the Department for Education commented: “High and rising standards are at the heart of this government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity.” The spokesperson continued, “This mission can only be achieved by making sure government funding is targeted to where it is most needed, as well as ensuring best value for money for the taxpayer.” The department is undertaking a review of mainstream free school initiatives to verify that they consistently address local demand for places, provide good value for money, and do not negatively impact other educational institutions in the vicinity.