Sandwell Council has given the green light to a significant redevelopment project at Perryfields Academy in Oldbury, marking a major milestone for the school, which has not seen a substantial upgrade in decades.
On June 10, the council’s planning committee approved plans submitted by the Department for Education to demolish six aging buildings at the Oldacre Road site. These outdated structures will be replaced by a modern, three-storey building designed to better meet the needs of the 1,200-pupil school.
Councillor Luke John Davies, a governor at Perryfields Academy, emphasized the urgency of the rebuild. “The school hasn’t met its admission targets since 2010, mainly because it lacks a sixth form and sufficient facilities. Since the school leaving age was raised in 2015, these problems have become even more pronounced,” he explained. “Perryfields is the secondary school in Sandwell that has gone the longest without redevelopment—by a very wide margin.”
READ MORE: New Motorhome and Campervan Parking Restrictions Take Effect in England on July 6
READ MORE: Andy Burnham’s HS2 Revival Plan for Birmingham-Manchester Link Gains Political Support
According to the application, most of the current buildings have reached the end of their serviceable life. The project involves demolishing several dated and temporary structures, including the disused two-storey block, a modular building, gymnasium, dance studio, changing rooms, dining hall, and kitchen. Only one two-storey teaching block will remain.
The new three-storey building will be constructed on the school’s existing playing fields. To compensate, new sports facilities—including grass football pitches, a running track, five-a-side pitches, and basketball and netball courts—will be built on the old school site, where the current car park and sports courts are located. The existing sports hall will be replaced with a new car park.
Improvements to the Oldacre Road entrance will widen access to allow two-way traffic, aiming to reduce congestion during school hours. The demolition of old buildings will also shorten transition times between lessons and create a more open, safer environment with improved site visibility.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2029, with the main three-storey building ready by early 2028 and all remaining works, including sports facilities, finalized by early 2029. This comprehensive overhaul promises to modernize Perryfields Academy and enhance educational and recreational amenities for its students.