Over £16 million is being invested in expanding school places across North Lincolnshire
The Government cash will be used in places like Barton-upon-Humber
Over £16m Government cash is to be invested in expanding school places in North Lincolnshire, including expanding Baysgarth School in Barton-upon-Humber.
North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed it has access to £7.7m cash from the Department for Education (DfE) and council capital funding to improve and expand schools in the area in 2025/26. It also has £8.8m in High Needs Capital Grant money for provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This also covers SEND pupils requiring alternative provision to mainstream settings.
Expansions the council is investing in include work already underway to increase Baysgarth School’s capacity from 900 to 1,200 places by September. St Luke’s Primary School in Scunthorpe is also expanding to provide additional space to accommodate up to 24 pupils.
It got planning permission for its expansion last year and will be increasing from 190 pupils. The SEND school has a range of facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, teaching kitchen and sensory differences room.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to high quality education in a setting that meets their needs,” said Cllr Julie Reed (Conservative – Axholme North), cabinet member for independent families – children.
She continued: “We are taking proactive steps to manage school capacity and respond to changes across our communities. The expansion and improvement of both mainstream and specialist provision reflects our ambition to support all learners, including those with additional needs, and to give families confidence in the future of local education.
“These investments are not just about buildings – they’re about opportunities, inclusion, and long-term success for our children and young people.” Local authorities have a legal obligation to ensure there are enough school places for children in the area.
The council has also received £319,100 from the Government’s Childcare Expansion Capital Grant to support the delivery of the expanded 30-hour free childcare entitlement for working parents, and increased wraparound childcare provision.