Three Sheffield schools set for expansion to tackle shortage of secondary school places

The planned works should create capacity for hundreds more Sheffield pupils

Secondary schools in Sheffield are set to receive funding for temporary expansions, after the council forecasted a shortage of places over the next few years.

Two of the schools are in the north of the city, and one is in the west | Google Maps

placeholder image — Two of the schools are in the north of the city, and one is in the west | Google Maps

Forecasts show that more secondary places are needed across the city from now to 2029, a report to Sheffield City Council's finance and performance policy committee states.

Hinde House and Forge Valley School are due for expansion approval, with options set to be explored at Yewlands Academy, to ensure the Steel City meets its duty to provide enough school places.

£1.1m in funding is set to be approved by the council on November 16 to temporarily expand Hinde House in Shiregreen to take 90 more pupils.

Plans would involve a new two-storey temporary building with two classrooms, a library and toilets, a new dining room, plus alterations to the schools reception and additional fencing.

Hinde House changes are due to be completed in August 2027 ahead of the new school term.

At Forge Valley School, the council plans to create additional teaching space with a three-storey extension costing £4.5m.

The extension would include a new hall and ICT exam room and three new science labs.

A satellite shot shows the current sensory garden at Forge Valley School | Google Maps

This would extend capacity from the current 1,350 pupils to up to 1,580.

The school's sensory garden would need to be relocated to allow the extension.

The finance and performance policy committee will also be asked to approve the use of £200,000 to look at possible expansions and improvements at Yewlands Academy.

The money would fund studies, surveys and designs, including looking at a new sports pitch or games area, and a potential new-build extension.

Plans would also be explored to change teaching and support spaces and look at adaptations to support pupils with additional needs, including alternative provision.

This initial assessment of possible options is due to take place by the end of March next year, with expected renovations to be finished by August 2028 at the latest.

The council report states these plans will support a temporary increase in pupil admissions over three academic years.

It must do this to ensure it meets its duty under the the Education Act 1996, to provide sufficient school places for all pupils in the area.