Plans for a new secondary school in Littleborough have faced significant hurdles, leaving the community waiting for over six years. The proposed Star Lakeside Academy was first announced in 2019, but progress has stalled due to a series of delays and pauses, with no definitive updates in over a year.
In contrast, another secondary school, located in Bowlee, commenced operations in 2021. The Department for Education (DfE) had indicated that an update regarding Star Lakeside Academy would be forthcoming in Spring 2025, yet they have remained non-committal about the timeline. Despite multiple requests for comment, the DfE has not provided clarity, although the Manchester Evening News reports that officials will soon offer insights on the project’s status.
Community Urgency for Secondary Education
The school is planned for the playing fields behind Littleborough Community Primary School, but it has encountered significant challenges related to costs and access. These issues were compounded by a period of instability in leadership, as five different Conservative MPs held the position of Secretary of State for Education from July to October 2022. The last appointee before the general election, Gillian Keegan, decided to pause various building projects, including the one in Littleborough, to assess their viability.
As of November 2023, following the conclusion of the review, Rochdale Council was informed that the project had been “unpaused.” Nevertheless, the impending general election has led to renewed uncertainty regarding the timeline and status of the new school. The demand for secondary school places in Littleborough remains high, with urgent community needs for educational infrastructure.
In May 2025, the Pennines region, which includes Littleborough, reported that there were 584 pupils in Primary Year 6, while only 510 secondary school places would be available in local schools that September. This situation indicates that approximately 14 percent of families may need to seek educational placements outside the Pennines.
Data from council documents reveal that across Rochdale, there were 1,444 Primary Year 6 pupils this May, with 1,290 places offered in local schools, leaving 97 spare spots. Notably, there are no available places in Pennines schools, highlighting a critical shortage as the community looks ahead.
Political Action to Address Educational Needs
Forecasts from the council indicate a continuing shortage of Year 7 placements, projecting a need for 33 additional places by 2027 and six more by 2028. This growing demand is expected to necessitate further action from local authorities and educational leaders.
Paul Waugh, the MP for Rochdale, has actively sought to address these delays. In a letter to the Minister for School Standards in autumn 2024, he called for a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the provision of additional school facilities. Mr. Waugh emphasized that the current situation has become “unmanageable,” highlighting the impact on local families who may face lengthy commutes to schools outside the borough.
Many children are reportedly required to take two buses, resulting in commutes of up to an hour each way. This not only separates them from their families but also places additional stress on both students and parents during a pivotal stage of education.
The future of the Star Lakeside Academy remains uncertain, and the community continues to advocate for timely updates and action from the relevant authorities. As the situation develops, local leaders and residents are hopeful for a resolution that will meet the educational needs of Littleborough and surrounding areas.
