Another delay hits construction of Dunmow’s new Helena Romanes School

Students face another year in temporary classrooms because of further delays in the completion of Dunmow’s new Helena Romanes School.

The all-through primary and secondary, on a site off Stortford Road, was originally set to open in 2021 – but now it is not due to be fully up and running until summer 2027

The secondary is relocating from Parsonage Downs, but neither the school nor the Government was able to comment on the further year-long delay or the reasons behind it.

The Department for Education (DfE) is working on the new school, which currently operates from temporary classrooms.

The latest planning application submitted to Uttlesford District Council is for changes and additional sports pitches. Documents reveal that the opening of the two schools will be delayed.

They state: “With regards to the construction phase, it is envisaged that the construction of the primary school and associated infrastructure will take 10 months, with the two-form-entry [2FE / 60 pupils per year group] primary school opening in autumn 2026.

“The construction of the secondary school and sixth form is expected to take 19 months, with the nine-form-entry [9FE / 270 pupils per year group] secondary school and 350-place sixth form opening in summer 2027.

“The assessment of the operational phase will begin from the first year of occupation, with relevant considerations taken into account for later dates.”

The changes being proposed include relocating the sub-station, separating the primary school from the secondary school and sixth form, increasing the primary and secondary school floor area to meet teaching accommodation standards and relocating the sports centre to accommodate cycle storage.

There are also initial plans for a full planning application for three additional football pitches, a running track and sports training areas.

Catherine Davis, executive head, said: “Saffron Academy Trust have no control over the timing and delivery of this project but is working closely with Essex local authority and the DfE to assist in delivering an all-through school on the Buttleys Lane site.

“To that end, the school and trust have participated in various meetings with the DfE and their appointed construction contractor with a view to improving and optimising the internal building layout, pupil access, vehicle flows and use of outside spaces and facilities.

“The school/trust are confident that the amended optimised design will deliver a more impactful and improved learning experience for the young people of Great Dunmow.”