Academy trust appointed to run proposed new school in Burgess Hill

A major milestone has been reached in a proposed new school project in Burgess Hill now that an academy trust has been appointed to run it.

The ‘all-through’ primary and secondary school is planned as part of the wider Burgess Hill Northern Arc development, providing a high-quality education for new and existing residents in the 3,500-home development and across the local area.

The University of Brighton Academies Trust was formally appointed by the Regional Schools Commissioner to run the proposed new all-through school in February 2022, following a full tender process. The new secondary school would be funded, designed and built by West Sussex County Council with land and a financial contribution from Homes England, who are also delivering and funding the primary element of the school.

Nigel Jupp, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Learning & Skills, said: “We have a relentless drive to continue raising education standards while supporting the urban and rural diversity of our beautiful county to provide high-quality schools like this for every child, as set out in our School Effectiveness Strategy. The University of Brighton Academies Trust is highly experienced and already runs 15 schools across West and East Sussex, all of which are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, so this proposed new school will be in extremely good hands.”

Dr John Smith, Chief Executive of University of Brighton Academies Trust, said: "I am delighted that we have been appointed the sponsor to run this new state-of-the-art school. It makes me incredibly proud and confirms that we are meeting our ambitions to deliver excellent education and improve the lives of children across Sussex. This arrangement underpins the fantastic work already achieved by the Trust. We are extremely excited to be part of this innovative scheme, and we are looking forward to welcoming the new school into our family of academies."

The Burgess Hill Northern Arc development will comprise 3,500 homes, businesses, neighbourhood centres, an all-through primary and secondary school on two sites and a further separate primary school. It is being developed in a partnership between Homes England, West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council.

Graham Hyslop, Project Director for Homes England, said: “Homes England are planning for a sustainable community at the Northern Arc, providing community facilities at the right time to meet the needs of all residents. The appointment of the University of Brighton Academies Trust as the school sponsor is great news and we’re looking forward to bringing forward more essential community infrastructure as the scheme develops.”

The Burgess Hill Northern Arc all-through school is subject to planning permission with an application scheduled to be submitted later this year.

If you would like to know more about the all-through school scheme or would like to be kept up to date on its progress, please email BHNAS.info@westsussex.gov.uk

Keep up to date with progress on the overall Burgess Hill Northern Arc development: