Two new schools open to academy interest

Academy Trusts are being invited to apply and run two primary schools set to open in September 2027.

Leicestershire County Council has started to process for both schools ahead of the 2027/28 academic year on the Broadnook and Garendon developments in the district of Charnwood.

The county council’s contractors Willmott Dixon will be building the 420-place Garendon Primary School in the West of Loughborough.

Money from both the county council and Section 106 developer contributions will be used to fund the school, which is the first of two primaries in the 3,200-housing development and will sit in the north of the site. Permission for the school was granted by Charnwood Borough Council in April.

Located near the centre of the new development, Broadnook Primary School will eventually cater to 570 pupils for the 1,950 homes being built. It will be built entierly using Section 106 developer contributions from Davidsons and Cora Homes.

Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families said:

“Our school organisation team worked brilliantly to ensure that we have the right number of school places on both developments to help our growing county.

“It’s great that we’ve reached the stage now where we’re inviting academy trusts to express their interest in running these future schools, and I’m confident that we’ll see lots of interest and a competitive process, so children get the best possible education.”

Academies will also be invited to apply to run the proposed SEND school in Harborough district. Engagement with residents is currently ongoing with view to submitting a planning application on the proposed school.

The successful academy trust(s) will be appointed by the county council in December 2026. More information how academies can be found by visiting the School Place Planning webpage.

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Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 8 June, 2026