Chiltern Academy: DfE gives the green light for new Luton free school

The Chiltern Learning Trust– which already runs Denbigh High School, Challney High School for Boys and Dallow Primary School– plans to open the new secondary school in September 2018.

It is planned to have an intake of 240 students– taking it to 1,200 pupils at capacity.

As of yet no exact location has been confirmed for the school, named the Chiltern Academy, though CLT has said it will be sited in south Luton.

Unlike the ill-fated Luton Girls’ Academy project, the Chiltern Academy will be a mixed-sex school.

CLT chief executive Adrian Rogers said: “Everyone at the Chiltern Learning Trust is delighted with the news that we have been successful in our bid to build a new school in Luton.

“It will be a wonderful and exciting opportunity for the children and community to attend a new secondary school.

“Thank you to all the staff that helped write the bid, and to the 700 parents that supported us.”

Cllr Mahmood Hussain, Luton Borough Council children and young people portfolio holder, added: “It’s great to hear about the Chiltern Academy proposal, particularly as Luton is facing a potential shortage of places for secondary schools.

“Whilst we have previously tried to mitigate this by expanding existing schools, this is no longer an option and the free school process is the most cost effective way of meeting future demand.

“We’re pleased that Chiltern, who already run two outstanding schools in Luton, have been successful in having their application approved.”