Norwich sixth form to expand to deal with influx of pupils
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form wants to convert former Aviva offices into new teaching space.
Last updated 7th Jun 2023
A city sixth form is looking to expand into empty offices to deal with an influx of pupils.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form, part of the Inspiration Trust, is seeking permission to convert former Aviva offices next to the bus station into new teaching space.
The building, on the corner of Surrey Street and St Stephen’s Street, is about 500 yards away from the existing school building on Bethel Street, itself a former fire station.
The school would only take over the basement, first, second and third floors. Existing cafe and retail units on the ground floor would stay as they are.
A planning statement to Norwich City Council said Sir Isaac Newton, which has a capacity for 440 students, is “heavily oversubscribed”.
It said: “It has no other satellite sites but requires support from its responsible body, the Inspiration Trust, to facilitate exams at other Inspiration Schools, such as Jane Austen Collage and The Hewett Academy.
“The new satellite site will provide additional accommodation for students to study.”
Surrey Street will provide space for 14 classrooms, a break area, a common room and staff areas.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Free School opened in September 2013 and is a specialist maths and science sixth form.
It is ranked as the seventh-best sixth form in the country with 23.8pc of students gaining AAB in two or more subjects.
The planning statement added: “The principle of development is considered appropriate, and the proposal does not have an impact in regard to surrounding residential amenity, heritage or highway safety.
“The public benefits of the proposal should also be acknowledged given the overcapacity at the current Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form provision.”
The application will be decided by City Hall in due course.