(UK) Cambs: "Uncertainty" over opening of special school for 210; 'to meet rapidly rising demand'

June 11, 2025, Cambs Times: Uncertainty over opening of special needs school in March

E. England

Uncertainty remains around when a new special educational needs school will open in the Fens.

The Lime Academy in March is part of the Department for Education's 'free schools programme' - however details are yet to be confirmed.

Cambridgeshire County Council say that the 'new area special school', which will have 210 places, is "a key part of securing sufficient provision locally to meet the rapidly rising demand". 

The council add that, "until we have confirmation from the DfE and a clear timetable, we will continue to work closely with schools to provide suitable places.”

The statement comes after North East Cambridgeshire MP Steve Barclay claimed that the Labour Government has pushed the opening back until at least 2027.

He added that he has been working with local headteachers to "establish what alternative provision can be put in place for next year". 

In a statement, he said: "This matters to parents of special needs pupils who will miss out on the specific expertise schools like Meadowgate offers.  . . .

He added that the Government recently wrote to him to say that “in February 2021, the department approved the expansion of Meadowgate Academy by 60 places" but "has not provided advice to Cambridgeshire County Council on plans to expand the number of places”.

However, Mr Barclay said that, on advice from the Department for Education’s officials and advisers following feasibility studies on the project, it was decided that these 60 places should be added to the number of new places at the new special free school in Fenland, Lime Academy March.  

"As a result, the free school numbers were increased from 150 to 210,” he said.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said: “Ensuring that there is good quality, sufficient education provision for children and young people with additional needs in Cambridgeshire is an important priority for the Council.

“We are already acting locally to meet the rapidly rising demand for special school places as part of our Inclusion For All strategy.

"In addition, a key part of securing sufficient provision in Cambridgeshire is a new Area Special school, Lime Academy, in March.

"This school is to be delivered by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of their Free Schools Programme."