Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans for a state-of-the-art expansion project at the Academy in Gedling last night, after Nottinghamshire County Council pledged £10 million to fund extra school places.

The proposed architect-designed building will further enhance provision for current Carlton le Willows students while also meeting the need for increased school places in the local community.

Headteacher Mr Weaver said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been given the go ahead to realise our vision for Carlton le Willows. The Academy is a well-respected school with a long held reputation for providing excellent education and every year we are heavily overs subscribed. This expansion project will allow us to increase our capacity to meet a growing shortfall in secondary school places in Gedling so that even more children living nearby have a better chance of securing a place at their local school.

"Our plans will integrate our split site, building new and improving on existing facilities so everyone who attends the Academy now, and in the future, can benefit."

Academy’s twin-site campus and features extra classrooms, a new entrance, dining area and assembly hall/performance space. Designs also include plans for additional car parking and a new vehicular entry from Burton Road.

The aim is for the expansion to be ready for a new intake of students in September 2022.