Plume Academy in Maldon to Expand, Adding 300 Student Places

A £14.8 million expansion plan has been approved for Plume Academy, a secondary school in Maldon, Essex, which will allow it to accommodate an additional 300 students. This work is slated to occur over the next three academic years, raising the total pupil count to over 2,000. Essex County Council stated that the demand for more spaces is a result of two new housing developments being constructed in the area. The first phase of the project, focusing on the lower school, is expected to be finished by September 2025. The council reported that this phase would create 60 new places for Year 7 pupils next year, with the completion of work on the upper school campus anticipated by September 2026. Conservative councillors confirmed the £14.8 million investment during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday. Tony Ball, the cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, remarked that the initiative would alleviate pressure on a “rapidly growing” town. He added, “Working with Plume School Academy Trust on this project will ensure more pupils in and around the area can benefit.” The council also indicated that the expansion would lead to fewer pupils needing to travel outside of town for school. Government figures from the last inspection showed Plume Academy had an enrollment of 1,736 students.