Councillors have approved the construction of a new ‘creative arts’ wing to a Tameside high school to replace ‘extremely poor’ facilities’.
Members of the planning committee unanimously voted to grant planning permission for the development in Dukinfield, listed as at Astley Sports College and Community High School but now known as Rayner Stephens High School.
The school, off Yew Tree Lane, currently has two temporary buildings which house a number of classrooms for its nearly 600 pupils.
Under the proposals, a ‘high-quality’ part two storey, and part one and a half storey extension would be created linking to the south of the school building.
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It would accommodate a large teaching classroom and studio, a music room and drama studio on the ground floor, and another music practice room and large arts studio and classroom on the first floor.
In supporting statements, the school said it would ‘relieve pressure both on space and capacity’ and replace the current creative arts facilities which are ‘extremely poor’.
Following an ‘unfavourable’ Ofsted in 2020, where it was rated as ‘inadequate’, school bosses recognised that ‘curricula options in a number of areas fell short of aspirations and measure needed to be put in place to address this’.
The plan for the new creative studies block is ‘essential’ to assist the long-term improvement in facilities, and pupil attainment, the documents state.
Currently the school has just a single music classroom. The plans had been recommended for approval by officers, subject to planning conditions.
Head of planning Melanie Hale said: “The extension will enable the school to deliver its curriculum in relation to creative and performing arts.
“There is no real impact on amenity, notwithstanding that residents will be able to see it but it won’t necessarily affect them. Although our colleagues in environmental health have recommended that there are restrictions on the hours of construction.”
In a statement after the meeting, head teacher Martin Davies said: "Rayner Stephens are so excited to have the green light for our state-of-the-art new facilities, coming in September 2023. The investment will give students access to industry standard drama studio and music rooms alongside a modern airy art studio.
"The improvements are just one in the programme of improvements the school has seen since joining Stamford Park Trust in 2021, which are already having a significant and positive impact on the lives of our students.
"For example, this year, GCSE and equivalent qualifications were the best in the school’s history. The investments we’re making across our staff and facilities show our clear focus on our vision of ‘Excellence and Ambition for all."
The school also stressed that since joining the Stamford Park Trust it had not been inspected by Ofsted, and was under a new registration.
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