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# Council plans to expand two Ipswich schools instead of building new one
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/council-plans-to-expand-two-schools-instead-of-building-new-one/
- Published: 2024-11-13T15:07:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:30:29.000Z
- Description: Plans are being developed to expand Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy to create 600 new student places, replacing previous proposals for a new secondary school in Ipswich Garden Suburb.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Secondary Education, #article, Northgate High School, Ormiston Endeavour Academy, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** The expansion will provide crucial school places needed for Northeast Ipswich's growing population while saving approximately £10m in construction costs compared to building a new school.

![Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1731510245-ormiston-endeavour-academy-sign-2.jpg)

Ormiston Endeavour Academy will be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027 Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**The big picture:**

- Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy will be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027.
- The plan replaces previous proposals for a new 600-place secondary school.
- Expansion costs are estimated at £20m, compared to over £30m for a new school.
- The decision responds to housing growth in the area, including Ipswich Garden Suburb.

**Supporting details:**

- Both schools are rated "good" by Ofsted
- Early-stage feasibility studies have been completed
- Three planned primary schools for Ipswich Garden Suburb will still go ahead

**What they're saying:** Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: "In this case, expanding Northgate and Ormiston Endeavour seems to be the best option. Not only is it more economical, but both schools would benefit from the funding from additional pupils."

![Northgate High School](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725280133-northgate-high-school-4.jpg)

Northgate High School will also be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027 Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**Between the lines:** The council's decision was influenced by:

- Rising construction costs making a new school less viable
- Falling birth rates across Suffolk raising concerns about future student numbers
- Risk of a new school becoming financially unsustainable

**What's next:** Both schools are working with Suffolk County Council to ensure sufficient secondary places until the expansion is complete in 2027.

**The bottom line:** While the council's change of plans means Northeast Ipswich won't get a new secondary school, the expansion of two established "good" schools could offer a more sustainable solution for local families – delivering the same number of places at lower cost, with students benefiting from existing facilities and experienced staff.

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