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PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED SIGNIFICANT CHANGE

 

Expansion of Physical Capacity and Increase of Published Admission Number (PAN)

From PAN 210 → PAN 240 (Year 7 intake)

Planned implementation: September 2027 (subject to planning and capital programme)

 

1. Introduction

Welland Park Academy is seeking views from parents, carers, staff, local residents, community partners and other stakeholders on a proposal to expand the school’s capacity to meet growing local demand for secondary school places in Market Harborough and the surrounding area.

This consultation forms part of the statutory process required by the Department for Education for academy trusts wishing to make a significant change—specifically the expansion of physical capacity by more than 31 places.

Your feedback is important and will be considered before the Trust submits its application to the DfE’s Regions Group for approval.

 

 
2. Summary of the Proposal

The Academy Trust proposes to:

  1. Increase the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 to 240 for the Year 7 intake.

  2. Expand the school’s physical capacity to accommodate an eventual roll of approximately 1,200 pupils across Years 7–11.

  3. Deliver new teaching spaces, specialist rooms, circulation improvements, and associated infrastructure to ensure the expanded provision is safe, high‑quality and fit for purpose.

  4. Implement the increased PAN from September 2027, subject to planning permission and completion of building works.


 
3. Why This Change Is Needed

The Local Authority (LA) has formally identified the need for additional secondary school places in the Market Harborough area due to:

  • Rising pupil numbers in feeder primaries.

  • Local housing growth.

  • Increased pressure on local secondary capacity.

The LA has approved the increase in places and is providing capital funding for the expansion.

Without this expansion, pupils may face:

  • Reduced access to local school places.

  • Increased travel distances.

  • Pressure on neighbouring schools.

The expansion allows Welland Park Academy to continue serving its community effectively and sustainably.

 

4. Educational Quality at Welland Park Academy

Welland Park Academy remains a high‑quality provider of secondary education, as confirmed during its most recent Ofsted inspection on 11–12 February 2025. Inspectors found that the school “has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection”, noting:

  • A strengthened and ambitious curriculum

  • High expectations and strong outcomes for pupils

  • Strong behaviour and a safe, caring school culture

  • Improved SEND support, including precise and consistent adaptations

  • Effective leadership and governance


The school’s strong academic performance also reflects this quality. Public performance data published by the Department for Education shows that in 2024, 64.2% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in both English and Maths, placing Welland Park Academy among the top five schools in Leicestershire for this key measure. These strong passes are particularly important because they act as a passport to post‑16 choices and wide opportunities for young people.

 

Building on this success, early indications show that outcomes further improved in 2025, with final published data expected later this term.

 

This consistent pattern of strong quality and achievement gives the Trust confidence that Welland Park Academy is well‑placed to expand its student numbers while continuing to maintain high standards.

 

4a. Educational Benefits

The proposal supports improved educational outcomes through:

  • Purpose‑built teaching areas designed to modern standards.

  • Expanded specialist provision (science, technology, SEND, PE).

  • Improved circulation and safeguarding routes.

  • Additional pastoral and wellbeing capacity to support a larger cohort.

  • Greater curriculum breadth and stability due to increased staffing flexibility.

  • The Trust remains committed to maintaining its ethos, high standards and focused pastoral care.

 
5. Site & Buildings

The proposed works include (subject to planning):

  • A multi‑classroom teaching block extension.

  • Upgraded specialist rooms (e.g., science labs).

  • Improved toilet, welfare and circulation facilities.

  • Possible car‑parking and access improvements.

  • Enhancements to outdoor learning and social space.

  • Architectural plans will be published by the LA as part of the formal planning process.

 
6. Impact on Admissions

If approved:

PAN would increase from 210 to 240 for Year 7 from September 2027.
The school will update its admissions arrangements in line with the statutory School Admissions Code.
No changes are proposed to oversubscription criteria at this stage (unless required following consultation feedback or DfE advice).
 
7. Impact on the Local Community

Positive impacts may include:

  • Improved sufficiency of local places.

  • Reduced need for families to travel to schools outside the area.

  • Facilities that can support wider community use where appropriate.

Potential concerns may relate to:

  • Construction disruption.

  • Traffic and parking.

  • Increased pupil movement.

The Academy will work with planners, the LA, neighbours and contractors to minimise disruption and ensure safe, considerate site operations.

 
8. Funding

The expansion is fully funded by Leicestershire Local Authority through Basic Need and S106 contributions.
No financial contribution is required from parents, carers or the Academy’s revenue budget.

 
9. Equality Impact Considerations

The Academy Trust is committed to ensuring the proposal does not negatively impact students or groups with protected characteristics.
An Equality Impact Assessment will accompany the DfE application.

 
10. How to Respond

Stakeholders are invited to share their views in any of the following ways:

Email:
admissions@wellandparkacademy.com  

Post:
Consultation Response
Welland Park Academy
Welland Park Road
Market Harborough
LE16 9DR

Deadline for responses: Friday 10th April 2026 
 
11. What Happens Next

Following the close of consultation:

  • Responses will be reviewed and summarised.

  • The Trust Board will consider the outcomes and decide whether to proceed.

  • A Significant Change Application will be submitted to the DfE’s Regions Group.

  • If approved, a Deed of Variation will update the Academy’s Funding Agreement.

  • Planning permission and construction programmes will continue.

  • A final decision will be communicated publicly once received.

 
12. Consultation Questions (Optional)

Stakeholders may wish to comment on one or more of the following:

  • Do you support the proposal to increase the PAN to 240?

  • Do you support the proposed expansion of buildings and facilities?

  • What benefits do you believe the expansion will bring?

  • Do you have any concerns about the proposal?

  • How could the Academy mitigate any negative impacts?

  • Any other comments?