Shipping container classrooms plan submitted for Wakefield primary school
The scheme involves installing two 40ft converted shipping containers to provide additional teaching space
Plans to build to new classrooms at a Wakefield primary school have been submitted.
The scheme involves installing two 40ft converted shipping containers to provide additional teaching space, along with a new playground area at Sharlston Community School.
Documents lodged with Wakefield Council said the buildings would be used to teach Key Stage 1 and Early Years Foundation Stage pupils.
The classrooms will be constructed in two phases if the application is approved by the local authority, with the work being completed in October this year.
In December 2025, the council’s planning and highways committee unanimously approved proposals to demolish the school, which dates back to the 1930s, so it could be replaced with new teaching facilities.
The scheme forms part of the government’s school rebuilding plan, which targets investment in educational buildings in the worst condition across England.
The plan also included making improvements to the school car park, creating new playing fields and installing a multi-use games area (MUGA) at the site on Hammer Lane.
A report said replacement buildings would be constructed before the demolition of the main teaching block to prevent disruption to the operation of the school.
Charles Dunn, a planning agent speaking on behalf of the applicant and Waterton Academy Trust, said at the time “This is a positive scheme. The school is an asset to the community.
“However, the existing main teaching block is identified by the Department of Education as being at the end of its life.
“There are a number of areas of key concern.
“This application proposes to deliver a modern, safe, net-zero operation ensuring continuity of education throughout the construction period.
“It will provide a vastly improved learning environment.”