£14.6m expansion programme revealed for Sarum Academy
Major development to create 300 more places with modern facilities
Last updated 31st Jul 2026
Students at a Salisbury school are set to benefit from a £14.6m investment from Wiltshire Council.
The local authority is making a significant investment in education at Sarum Academy in an expansion programmed that will capacity and enhance facilities for hundreds of students.
The council received planning permission for the expansion, which will allow Sarum Academy to accommodate an additional 300 students, helping to address the growing demand for secondary school places in the city.
The project includes multiple phases: refurbishing part of the existing teaching block, constructing a new net-zero two-storey science block, creating a new artificial sports pitch, converting an existing building for sports and physical education, and reconfiguring teaching spaces.
New art and music classrooms will support an eight-form entry school, providing a modern learning environment for young people to attend school locally.
Meeting educational needs
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, reaffirmed Wiltshire Council's commitment to investing in the education of young people and ensuring local school places are available.
"It is important that young people can attend school in their local community and benefit from excellent facilities that support their learning, wellbeing and future aspirations," he said.
The expansion is designed to support Salisbury's expanding population by providing additional high-quality secondary school places for local families.
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver the project, collaborating closely with the school, staff, and community to minimise construction disruption.
Sustainable and community-focused development
Cliff Kinch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, remarked on the project's positive impact on Salisbury's educational landscape by creating new secondary school places with a net-zero design, aiming for a sustainable teaching environment.
Supporting Wiltshire Council's Environmental Policy objectives, the science block is planned to operate at net zero carbon, while sustainability assessments guide efforts to reduce energy demand, improve efficiency, and minimise environmental impact.
The development includes a Social Value and Sustainability Charter, engaging pupils in the project's progress with activities linked to the school curriculum, employment opportunities, and skills development initiatives for locals.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, providing future generations with state-of-the-art educational facilities.