Plans for new Burgess Hill secondary school paused

Monday, 11 August 2025 08:00

Plans for a new secondary school in Burgess Hill have been put on hold amid falling demand for places.

West Sussex County Council has paused the Bedelands Academy project while it reviews whether the school is still required.

It was intended to be part of an ‘all-through’ primary and secondary school within the 3,500-home Brookleigh development, but the council says the expected need for secondary places in the area has not materialised.

Cllr Russell said: “I understand that this news will be disappointing for some, but I must emphasise that this is a pause to ensure that we deliver the required school places, at the right place at the right time.

“During the next two years we will continue to review the latest available data to predict future demand for secondary school places in Burgess Hill and the local area. Any future decision we make will be based on the most up to date information available to us.

“We have a duty to council taxpayers to ensure we make the right decisions on where money is spent. The current data shows the demand that was projected when this development was approved is not there now to justify the building of this school at this time.

“Making the right decisions on secondary education opportunities for young people across Burgess Hill and the surrounding area is extremely important for the council and this is not a decision I have taken lightly.

“I can assure our residents that we will continue to work hard to provide enough school places for children and young people, so they have the best start to their secondary education.

“We will continue to work closely with key stakeholders including schools, the district council, Homes England and the Department for Education and we will keep residents informed of any significant updates.”

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