New build vs expansion
Decision aid for adding new pupil places: build a new school or expand an existing one.
When expansion is the answer
- The receptor school has hall / kitchen / plant headroom or can be modestly enlarged.
- Site area allows additional teaching block plus external play within the BB103 minimum[BB103].
- Admissions data shows demand within the receptor's catchment.
- Receptor condition is grade B or better; expansion is not throwing good money after bad.
- Live-site abnormals (decant, services tie-in, asbestos) are manageable.
When new build is the answer
- No site capacity at the receptor school.
- Admissions catchment is shifting; the receptor isn't in the right place.
- Receptor condition is grade C or worse , expansion would lock in the condition problem.
- Disruption window for a live-site phased expansion is too long to be acceptable.
- Basic-need or Free Schools funding favours a standalone scheme.
Funding alignment
Expansions are usually basic-need[basic-need]. New builds can be basic-need or Free Schools[Free Schools]. CIF[CIF] funds condition, not capacity.
See 1FE primary expansion for a worked example.