Commissioning new schools
Download Commissioning new schools in Norfolk (PDF) [992KB] for more information about:
- Our vision and ambition
- Norfolk's education landscape
- Planned housing growth
- Proposed housing developments
- Support for school improvement
- Contact details
The Norfolk Schools' Local Growth and Investment Plan (SLGIP) provides a snapshot of Norfolk County Council's plans to fulfil its statutory responsibility to ensure there are sufficient school places for Norfolk children aged 4-16. Download the Norfolk Schools' Local Growth and Investment Plan (PDF) [1MB].
New Primary Free School, Silfield
The presumption process for the new Free School at Silfield was launched on 25 April 2023 closing on 6 June 2023 . On 22 September 2023 Unity Schools Partnership were given Secretary of State approval to sponsor the proposed primary free school in Silfield under section 6A (the 'free school presumption') of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.
Further information can be found below:-
Silfield Equality Impact Assessment (PDF) [210KB]
Final Silfield Specification (PDF) [1MB]
New Primary Free School, Cringleford
The presumption process for the new Free School at Cringleford was launched on 12 September 2022 closing on 7 November 2022. On 3 March 2023 Inspiration Trust were given Secretary of State approval to sponsor the proposed primary free school in Cringleford under section 6A (the 'free school presumption') of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.
Further information can be found below:-
Cringleford Equality Impact Assessment (PDF) [236KB]
Final Cringleford Specification (PDF) [809KB]
Two New Special Schools for Norfolk
Two new Special Schools have been announced for Norfolk set to be built in Downham Market and Great Yarmouth. Norfolk County Council submitted proposals to the Department for Education (DfE) for the new special schools as part of its six-year Local First Inclusion special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) improvement programme.
The two much-needed schools will be built and funded by the Government's free school programme. They will be: a school in Downham Market with 100 places for children aged five to 18 with communication and interaction needs; and a second school in Great Yarmouth with 170 places for children with complex needs aged from three to 19. It is proposed the schools would open in September 2026. Work will now proceed for land acquisition and planning permission.
Full details of the Equality Impact Assessment for each School are available as follows:
EQIA Great Yarmouth Special School (PDF) [294KB]
EQIA Downham Market (PDF) [295KB]
Prospective sponsors needed to register an initial expression of interest with the Department for Education by Friday 22 September 2023.