Plans for new Perranporth secondary school scrapped
Government halts 1,050-pupil academy despite strong local support and rising demand concerns
Plans for a major new secondary school in Perranporth have been officially scrapped by the Government, ending years of anticipation and months of preparation for what many hoped would be a transformative project for the north coast of Cornwall.
The proposed 1,050-pupil Perranporth Academy had been championed as a much-needed solution to the growing pressure on nearby schools, with parents, teachers and local leaders largely united in support of the development.
Government Decision
The Department for Education said there is “not sufficient need” for extra school places to justify building the new school.
They added they remain committed to ensuring enough places for local children.
The cancellation is part of a wider announcement of £3 billion investment in new SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) places, shifting funding away from some planned mainstream free schools.
Local Reaction
Perran Moon
Moon said he is “extremely disappointed” and argues that future housing development, including the large Langarth project, will increase demand for school places.
He is asking Cornwall Council to release the data used to justify the decision and says he will continue pushing for the school.
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust
The trust, which would have run the school, said the academy had strong community support and was planned as an inclusive, STEM-focused school with a specialist SEND hub.
Chief Executive Dr Jennifer Blunden said the decision is a “short-term” mistake that will leave Cornish communities worse off.
Perranzabuloe Parish Council
The parish council called the decision “deeply concerning”, arguing that housing growth and economic expansion mean future school demand has been underestimated. They say the issue is not closed and will continue campaigning for a new school.