Cambridge Park Academy opens major new extension in Grimsby

A major new extension at Cambridge Park Academy Sixth Form, in Grimsby , has officially opened its doors, representing a significant step forward in enhancing educational provision for young people with special educational needs (SEN) across North East Lincolnshire. Delivered with backing from the Department for Education High Needs Capital Grant Funding, the extension has been designed to strengthen inclusive provision and broaden access to specialist facilities within the local area. The project has increased the college's capacity while transforming both its indoor and outdoor learning spaces.

The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by partners, council officers and local dignitaries, who were given a guided tour of the new facilities. Visitors were able to see first-hand how the extension will benefit learners with additional needs through the provision of modern, accessible and purpose-built environments. The new development adds an additional extension to the site, allowing it to accommodate 14 students aged 16-19 alongside extra staffing to support the pupils.

It comprises a newly-constructed single-storey extension fitted with energy-efficient technologies, including air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and 88 roof-mounted solar panels, delivering a sustainable and comfortable learning environment. The build was managed by construction firm Hobson and Porter, which also incorporated landscaped outdoor learning areas with specialist sensory and play equipment, a new entrance road, a safe drop-off zone, and 12 car parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle chargers. The introduction of the new development will significantly cut down the distance that the most complex Post 16 SEN pupils need to travel to access suitable education and/or residential placements, ensuring more young people can learn within the local area.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council , said: "

Enhancing access to learning for every young person is at the heart of what we strive for, and it's wonderful to see a local school benefitting so directly from this grant funding. This extension not only creates more opportunities for students with additional needs but also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that high‐quality, inclusive education is available within our own community. "

It's fantastic to see Cambridge Park equipped with facilities that will truly support and inspire its learners." Steve Kernan, Principal of Cambridge Park Academy, said: ”

Our Post 16 extension is an exciting project which will allow our most complex and vulnerable students to stay within the local area rather than high-cost residential placements outside of the borough. "

This enables continuity for those students who are able to stay with their families and continue to thrive in an environment that is familiar to them." Did you know you can make Grimsby Live a preferred source of Grimsby news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here's more information about what this means and how to do it - you can also do it straight away by clicking here .