Big business is to run Huddersfield’s newest school.

Kirklees Council is seeking a firm or organisation to run the planned new primary school in Crosland Moor.

Local and national organisations are being invited to ‘bid’ for the running of the school, which is planned to open in September 2016.

It would be the first school in Huddersfield to be run in such a way.

The council has earmarked millions of pounds for the build costs but an agreed funding package would then be determined with the sponsor to cover appropriate levels of funding for staffing, resources, equipment, furniture and other relevant costs.

The new school is needed to meet the growing demand for primary places in south west Huddersfield, and Kirklees have concluded consultations about creating a new, 630-place school for children aged four to 11.

The school will be in the grounds of an existing secondary school - Moor End Academy, in Dryclough Road, Crosland Moor – and be part of the council’s work to meet the need for places in Kirklees whilst also achieving the highest possible standards of care and education.

The new school would be a separate school to Moor End Academy, which would continue as a secondary, but the two would work closely in partnership to benefit children and families.

Due to government regulations, the new school would be an academy and this means it would be run by a ‘sponsor’ instead of being run by the council, although the council would have an vital role in supporting it. A detailed document has now been published inviting potential sponsors to express their interest.

Clr Shabir Pandor, Cabinet member for Schools and Learning, said: “We need to start the process now because, if the proposals for a new school are approved later this summer, we want it to be open as quickly as possible for local children.

Shabir Pandor

“The proposals for a new school show we are committed to not only meeting demand for places but also to providing excellent facilities. This would be a very significant investment.

“The new school would have to be an academy – there is no other option – and we are confident that a high quality sponsor will be chosen.

“The final decision will lie with the government but, once bids have been received by the end of August, we will consider all of them and make our recommendation.

“We expect proposers to show ambition for local families and demonstrate that they will have high expectations for what every pupil and teacher can achieve.

“The new school is an exciting development in local education and will become part of the Kirklees family of schools. We will work closely with the sponsors in order to provide the best possible outcomes for children and families and build on the strong partnerships that already exist.”

The Invitation To Bid document can be viewed at

http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/parentsCarers/schools/pdf/HSWspecification.pdf