Transparency data

Register of decisions of playing field land disposals

Updated 16 April 2024

Applies to England

Application requirements

The Secretary of State’s prior consent is required to dispose of playing field land. The Department for Education (DfE) has a presumption against the disposal of publicly funded school land, particularly playing field land.

Playing field land means land in the open air which is provided for the purposes of physical education or recreation.

Access to playing fields and sport should be retained within the school estate. It should be preserved for future generations. Any loss of such land should be mitigated by other improvements to sports provision. The Secretary of State expects that proceeds from the sale of playing field land should be spent on projects that improve sporting facilities.

Applications are considered by the Land Transactions team. Any queries should be sent to [email protected].

Disposals of playing field land are usually considered by the School Playing Fields Advisory Panel which provides the Secretary of State with independent and objective advice on the extent to which each application meets current policy and legislation.

Applicants are required to carry out adequate consultation before making an application. DfE’s non-statutory guidance on how to submit a school land transaction proposal contains further information on how and when to involve the Secretary of State in land transactions, including disposals of playing field land.

This list provides detail of approved playing field land disposals since May 2010.

Between November 2001 and April 2010, approval was given to the disposal of 246 playing fields.

2023 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
Lancashire County Council	November 2023	Glenburn Sports College and 6th Form Centre (closed)	Application by Lancashire County Council for the disposal of the former school site including its playing field land, for housing. The school closed in 2016 with no further school need for the land. The entire receipt is to be spent on capital projects agreed with DfE to address condition needs in schools in its area (with schools in Skelmersdale being a priority).
Unity Schools Partnership	July 2023	Parkway Middle School (closed school)	Application by Unity Schools Partnership for the disposal of the closed middle school site and its playing field land, for housing. The capital receipt will be used towards the construction of a new classroom block at the secondary school and improve its existing sporting facilities including the creation of a new multi-use games area and refurbishment of the sports hall.
Governing body of Pittville School	July 2023	Pittville School	Application by the governing body of Pittville School for the freehold sale of part of the school’s existing playing field land. The capital receipt will be used to provide a new sports hall and 3G pitch at the school.
Wokingham Borough Council	July 2023	Waingels School	Application by Orchard Learning Trust and Wokingham Borough Council for the disposal of playing field land to Thames Water, for a pumping station to avoid a compulsory purchase application for the land. The capital receipt will be used for improvements to sports facilities at local schools, with priority for use at Willow Bank Infant and Junior Schools.
Cumbria County Council	July 2023	Millom School	Application by Cumbria County Council, for the appropriation of playing field land to create a new community sports facility, of which this school and other local schools will have use. The sports facility is part of a regeneration of the town.
Isle of Wight Council	May 2023	Weston Academy (closed)	Application by Isle of Wight Council for the disposal of part of the school site which closed in December 2015. The lower part of the field is to be sold for housing and the capital receipt to be spent on improvements to sports facilities and the creation of outdoor education allotments at a local school (Freshwater All Saints). The upper playing field land will be leased under a 30-year lease to Totland Parish Council for use as community playing field land.
Isle of Wight Council	May 2023	Sandham County Middle School (closed)	Application by Isle of Wight Council for the disposal of school playing field land. The school closed in 2011 and was last used by a school in 2015. Land at the north of the site will be used for community sport and the remaining land will be sold. The capital receipt will be used towards improvements to other local schools’ sports and capital projects.
Northumberland County Council	April 2023	Wooler First School	The school relocated in 2015 and its former site has been vacant since. The land will be used by the council to expand the adjacent cemetery, which has reached capacity. As the council will not receive any proceeds from the sale, and the value is very low, there will be no requirement for the receipt to be reinvested into the school estate.
Herefordshire County Council	April 2023	Wellington Primary School	The council will appropriate 725m² of surplus playing field to a community group to be landscaped for use as a community playground and an existing path to improve safeguarding. The council will transfer 370m² of playing field land, which is subject to a joint use agreement and to which the school has shared access, for its sole use.
London Borough of Ealing and Archdiocese of Westminster	March 2023	St Raphael’s VA Catholic Primary School	Application by London Borough of Ealing and Archdiocese of Westminster for the land swap of areas of playing field land used by the school in exchange for land held by the London Borough of Ealing. The school is benefiting from the land exchange by a reduction in parts of the estate that cost most to heat and have significant asbestos management issues. It will also have a new forest school and the full use of a new multi-use games area.
Nottingham City Council	March 2023	Thorneywood Education Base	The pupil referral unit closed in August 2019 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt will be used to refurbish a multi-use games area at Mellers Primary School and the remaining amount as a contribution to a new specialist resource provision for SEND children at Whitemoor Primary School.
Coventry City Council	March 2023	Woodlands Academy	The school closed in 2017 and part of the site is no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt from the disposal will be used for the expansion and relocation of Woodfield Special School on part of the remaining site as it will enable both the Woodfield primary and secondary schools, which together make up Woodfield Special School, to be relocated to a single site with improved facilities.
Suffolk County Council	March 2023	Walpole Learning Centre	The school closed in 2008 and all parts of the former school site were used for Walpole Learning Centre, a pupil referral unit, until it closed in July 2019. The capital receipt will be used for sporting improvements at Stowmarket Academy.
Lancashire County Council	February 2023	Skerton High School	The school closed in August 2014 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt will be prioritised to improve sporting provisions at Chadwick High School.
Norfolk County Council	January 2023	Sedgeford Primary School (closed school site)	The school closed in August 2020 and is no longer required for educational purposes. Not less than 70% of value achieved on the sale completion will be spent on improvement for sports and play areas at Kings Lynn Academy or other local schools.

2022 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
The Ramsay Foundation	September 2022	Abbey College Ramsay	The surrender of a 99-year lease of part of the school site which includes a grade 1 listed abbey, gatehouse fountain and walls, and playing field land defined as habitat. The school does not use the land for educational purposes and the surrender will remove the financial burden of maintaining the abbey.
Central Bedfordshire Council	September 2022	Sandye Place Academy	The school closed in August 2019 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The intention is to appropriate to the council’s corporate estate, allowing the council to engage with stakeholders and the community on its future use. Consent has been given on the condition that the value of the land appropriated will be deemed to have offset some of the council’s investment in Sandy Secondary School.
Lancashire County Council	September 2022	Wennington Hall School	The school closed in 2022 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The council will sell the site and reinvest the capital receipt in capital projects at other schools in Lancashire.
Kent County Council	September 2022	St Peter’s Church of England Primary School	The school relocated to its new site in January 2021 and its former 2 school sites are no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt of the sale of these 2 former school sites will be wholly used towards offsetting council reserves used to provide the new buildings at the school’s new site.
Manchester City Council	July 2022	Buglawton Hall Special School	The special school closed in March 2018 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The council has completed a programme to create places for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Manchester. The programme created 88 new places and re-provided 82 places for Manchester residents in a new purpose-built accommodation at a total cost of £13.3 million. The capital receipt from the sale will be used to offset a proportion of this and also to part-fund the development of a further secondary phase SEND school in the city (approximately 120 places) in response to growing demand.
Wakefield Council	July 2022	Castle Grove Infant School	The school closed in August 2014 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt will be used to improve sporting and playing provision at schools within the area.
Cheshire East Council	July 2022	Poynton High School	The area of land to be disposed of is on the edge of the playing field. The council and head teacher advise that the school has limited use of the land due to poor drainage and ongoing maintenance issues. The area suffers from flooding. The capital receipt will be reinvested in the creation of a 3G all-weather pitch and drainage improvements to the school’s existing grass playing fields.
Archdiocese of Southwark	June 2022	St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School	To dispose of school land including playing field land at the school’s Ordnance Street site. This follows the school’s consolidation from 3 sites to a single site at City Way. The diocese has agreed to contribute the capital receipt from the sale of Ordnance Street to fund the highways works at the City Way site. Any remaining capital receipt from the sale of the site will be used as a contribution towards DfE’s costs in part-funding the school’s rebuilding project.
Luton Council	June 2022	Waulud Primary School	The land is not used by the school and selling it will raise the funds needed to improve the school’s outdoor play and learning facilities for early years pupils. The capital receipt from the disposal of part of the school’s surplus playing field will be reinvested in playground improvements at the school site. The land is behind the caretaker’s house and near a public footpath, so the school prefers to use other areas on the school site for sports and recreation. The school will remain above its guideline amount of playing field land following the disposal.
The White Hills Park Federation Trust	June 2022	Bramcote College	Disposal of an area of surplus playing field land. The capital receipt will be used to fund the rebuild of Bramcote College and provide new sports facilities at the school including a new sports hall, 3G pitch and hard play areas. Bramcote College will also acquire new sports pitches from the local authority.
Loxford Schools Trust Ltd	June 2022	Cecil Jones Academy	The disposal of the trust’s freehold interest in an unused detached playing field and car park held for Cecil Jones Academy. The land will be sold to Thames Plaza plc as part of a major regeneration scheme in Southend-on-Sea. The capital receipt will be used to improve sports facilities on the school’s main site, providing a new 3G pitch with floodlighting (subject to planning consent), resurfacing 4 tennis courts and creating a new 60m sprint running track.
Northumberland County Council	May 2022	Netherton Northside First School	The school closed in August 2018 and is no longer required for educational purposes. The capital receipt will be reinvested in the rebuilding project at the Seaton Valley Federation, with a contribution to provision of improved sports pitches at Astley High School or Whytrigg Middle School.
Hartlepool Borough Council	May 2022	The Horizon School (pupil referral unit)	The Horizon School relocated to its new site in 2014. The council proposes to transfer the land at the vacated site to an adjacent landowner (a healthcare trust) in exchange for land the healthcare trust holds. The healthcare trust will build new respite housing units on that land and the healthcare trust land will be used to provide an access road to a new special school to be built in the area.
West Sussex County Council	May 2022	Beechfield Secure Children’s Centre	The centre (an alternative provision unit) closed in August 2016 and is no longer required for educational purposes. Although the site was used for school purposes, the underlying function was to provide secure accommodation for the children’s needs. In this case, DfE considered it acceptable for the council to use the capital receipt towards capital improvements in the council’s children’s homes.
North Yorkshire County Council	April 2022	Swainby Potto Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve the playing facilities at 2 local schools.
Leicestershire County Council	April 2022	Heathfield High School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used as a contribution to recover previous spending on new school builds.
Kent County Council	March 2022	Oasis Hextable Academy	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve playing facilities and capital improvements at schools within the county.
Pinnacle Learning Trust	February 2022	The Hathershaw College	Disposal of a small part of unused playing field to a Water Utilities Company in order to improve the local water and sewage network. The capital receipt will be used towards new fencing and drainage improvements at the school site.
Lincolnshire County Council	January 2022	Mablethorpe former campus, Louth and Mablethorpe Monks’ Dyke Tennyson College (previously Mablethorpe Tennyson School)	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve the playing facilities at 2 local schools.
Clifton Catholic Diocesan Trustees	January 2022	St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School	Clifton Catholic Diocesan Trustees will dispose of its interest in the playing field at this closed school. The capital receipt will be used for capital sports improvement projects in diocesan schools within Gloucestershire.

2021 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
Blackpool Council	December 2021	Bispham High School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to contribute towards the Revoe Project, which will provide sporting facilities.
Hampshire County Council	November 2021	Fort Hill Community School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve the playing facilities at a local school.
Sefton Council	November 2021	Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School	The council will dispose of a small part of the school’s playing field to enable Highways England to replace and relocate a pedestrian bridge. The capital receipt will be used to create a forest school within the school site.
Reading School Trust	November 2021	Reading School	Reading School Trust will dispose of part of the school’s playing field for local development. The capital receipt will be used for extensive sporting and capital investments at the school.
The Governing Body of The Phoenix Collegiate	November 2021	The Phoenix Collegiate	The Governing Body of The Phoenix Collegiate will dispose of the playing field land at the school’s former site (Friar Park) to raise funds for a capital programme of improvements at the school’s current site (Clarkes Lane).
Mayflower Academy Trust	June 2021	Mayflower High School	Mayflower Academy Trust will dispose of part of the academy’s existing site for local development and the capital receipt will be reinvested in the redevelopment of the academy on its retained site, which will include an all-weather pitch.
Sigma Academy Trust	June 2021	Harwich and Dovercourt High School	Sigma Academy Trust will dispose of part of the academy’s existing site for local development and the capital receipt will be reinvested in the redevelopment of the academy on its retained site, which will include sporting (outdoor and indoor) improvements.
United Learning Trust	June 2021	Newstead Wood High School	United Learning Trust will dispose of its interest in Bromley Tennis Centre to the Lawn Tennis Association. The capital receipt will be reinvested in the redevelopment of the academy on its retained site, which will include a multi-use games area.
Wakefield Council	June 2021	High Well School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve the playing facilities at 2 local schools.
Kent County Council	May 2021	Laleham Gap School	Consent has been given at this closed school site. The capital receipt will be used to reimburse the council for its contribution to new school facilities at Foreland Fields School including a new multi-use games area.
City of Stoke-on-Trent	May 2021	St Peter’s School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used to improve outdoor sport and recreational facilities at 3 local schools.
Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust	March 2021	Kenilworth School and Sixth Form	Consent has been given to the trust to dispose of 2 existing school sites. This disposal will fund new internal and external facilities on a new site. The new site will provide external areas in line with DfE’s guidelines, including the provision of all-weather facilities.
Brighton & Hove Council	February 2021	Kings Free School	The disposal of the whole site previously used by the school before it moved into its new permanent site. The detached playing field will be used as a public open space and 2 local schools will benefit from investments to enhance sporting or recreational facilities at their site.
Wakefield Council	February 2021	Carleton High School	The disposal of an unused and fenced off area of the school’s existing playing field with the capital receipt used to improve outside play areas at other schools within the academy trust. The school exceeds its minimum playing field space against recommended guidelines.

2020 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
Redcar & Cleveland Council	December 2020	Outwood Academy Normanby	The council will dispose of part of the academy’s unused playing field for housing. The academy exceeds its minimum playing field space against recommended guidelines. The capital receipt will be used for new changing facilities on site and fund a multi-use games area for Teesville School. The remaining capital receipt will contribute towards the building of Mo Mowlam Academy on its new site.
Slough/Langley Grammar School Trust	December 2020	Langley Grammar School	The trust will dispose of a small part of the school’s existing playing field. The capital receipt will be used to partly fund a dance studio and replace the existing surface of their artificial pitch.
Cornwall County Council	December 2020	St Minver School	The disposal of a small part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt reinvested back into various sporting and recreational projects at the school. The school exceeds its minimum playing field space against recommended guidelines.
East Sussex County Council	December 2020	The Grove School	The capital receipt raised from the whole disposal of this former school site will be used as part of the funding for the construction of a new primary school to meet Basic Need pressures in Hailsham.
Derbyshire County Council	November 2020	Ormiston Ilkeston Academy	The capital receipt raised from the partial disposal of this former school site will be used to improve outdoor sport and recreational facilities at 3 local schools.
East Riding of Yorkshire	October 2020	Longcroft School and Sixth Form College – lower school campus at Molescroft Road	The lower school campus site is vacant due to capital improvements on its remaining site. Part of the capital receipt from the sale of the site will be used to fund a new multi-use games area and other works which have been carried out as part of the improvements at the other site. The remaining capital receipt will be used to fund capital projects at 4 other local schools to improve outdoor play and sports curriculum facilities.
West Sussex County Council	August 2020	The Forest School	The appropriation of a small area of existing playing field space at the school in order to provide safer cycling and road measures within the area.
The Governing Body of The Hayling College	July 2020	The Hayling College	The disposal of part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt reinvested back into various sporting and recreational projects at the college. The college exceeds its minimum playing field space against recommended guidelines.
Sefton Borough Council	June 2020	(former) St Wilfrid’s School	The capital receipt raised from the whole disposal of this former school site will be used to improve the playing facilities at 9 local schools.
London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames	June 2020	St Richard’s Primary School	The disposal of part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt reinvested back into the school, include a new multi-use games area and trim trail.
Northamptonshire County Council	June 2020	(former) Oundle Lower School	Any capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used towards improving the sports facilities within the council’s school reorganisation programme.
Birmingham City Council	June 2020	Baverstock Academy	The whole disposal of the former academy site that is no longer required. The capital receipt value will be reinvested as a contribution to the rebuilding of West Heath Primary School, with the amount attributable to playing fields being used to create playing fields and specifically a multi-use games area. Additionally, the council will wholly fund the development of a small area of land for St Judes Primary School’s sole use and to the necessary standard.
GLF Schools Trust	June 2020	De Stafford School	The disposal of part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt reinvested back into an all-weather pitch.
Borough of Poole	May 2020	Hillbourne Primary School	The disposal of part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt reinvested in rebuilding the school including improved sport and playing facilities.
Severn Academies Educational Trust	May 2020	Stourport High School	The school will dispose of part of its unused playing field for housing. The capital receipt will be used for building improvements on site and the addition of a new all-weather pitch. The school also benefits from long term access to Stourport Sports Club’s extensive facilities.
Shropshire County Council	May 2020	(former) Hope Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the whole disposal of this former school site will be used as part of the funding for the extension of Long Mountain Primary School.
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council	April 2020	(former) The Cusworth Centre	The disposal of part of this closed school site with the capital receipt reinvested in 6 educational establishments benefiting from new playing and sporting provisions.
Suffolk County Council	March 2020	(former) St Wilfrid’s Middle School	The capital receipt raised from the whole disposal of this former school site will be used as a contribution to a new school as part of the Chilton Woods redevelopment.
Ashley Junior School	February 2020	Ashley Junior School	The disposal of part of the school’s playing field with the capital receipt used to build an all-weather pitch.
The Burgate School and 6th Form	January 2020	The Burgate School and Sixth Form	The disposal of part of the school’s extensive playing field to a local developer. The capital receipt will be used to improve existing indoor sports provision.
Durham County Council	January 2020	(former) Trimdon Village Infant School	The disposal of this closed school site with the capital receipt reinvested towards improving sporting provision for young people in the area and prioritised to areas of disadvantage.

2019 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
Nottingham City Council	December 2019	(former) Haywood School	The disposal of detached playing fields at Edwards Lane and Bestwood. The school closed in 2012 and the applicant intends to use the proceeds towards the costs it has incurred in expanding 2 primary schools (Glade Hill and Middleton Primary Schools).
Gloucestershire County Council	November 2019	(former) Coln House Special School	The main playing field will be transferred to Fairford Town Council for continued community and local school use. The remaining site, including hard play areas, will be sold with the capital receipt invested towards the cost of replacing a trim trail at Fairford Church of England Primary School and the cost of providing a new secondary school in Cheltenham, including the new sports facilities.
Tollbar Multi Academy Trust	September 2019	Louth Academy	Application from Tollbar Multi Academy Trust for the disposal of a small strip of land on the periphery of the academy’s off-site playing field, which will not impact their sports pitches, to enable a road widening of an access road to a new development. The academy will benefit from a new safer access route and secure gated access to their off-site playing field.
London Borough of Southwark	August 2019	Angel Oak Academy	The school will dispose of part of the academy’s existing site for social and affordable housing and the capital receipt will be reinvested in the redevelopment of the academy on its retained site, which will include a multi-use games area.
London Borough of Southwark	August 2019	Cherry Gardens School	The disposal is of the whole school site. The capital receipt raised from the disposal will contribute towards the school’s new build at the former Highshore School site.
London Borough of Southwark	August 2019	Beormund Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this former school site will be used as part of the funding for the school’s new purpose-built accommodation at the former Bellenden School.
Stoke-on-Trent Council	August 2019	(former) Heathfield Special School	The school closed in 2010 and the capital receipt will be used to fund an extension at Burnwood Primary School.
Suffolk County Council	July 2019	(former) Bacton Community Middle School	The school closed in 2015 and the pupils transferred to 2 other local schools. The council will retain part of the former site for a new primary school should this be required in the future. The council will use part of the capital receipt to provide a new 3G artificial pitch with floodlighting on this retained part of the site for use by the local community, local schools and the new primary school site if this goes ahead. The remaining capital receipt will be ring fenced to part-fund the cost of the new primary school or other capital educational projects should this not be required.
London Borough of Barnet	July 2019	Hollickwood Primary School	Application from the governing body to sell a small area of existing playing field. The capital receipt will be used for new facilities at the school, including a multi-use games area.
East Sussex County Council	May 2019	(former) Pells Church of England Primary School	The school closed in 2017 and the pupils transferred to other local schools. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to help fund sporting improvements at Polegate School, which will include a multi-use games area, playground and a new sports hall.
Cumbria County Council	April 2019	(former) Alston Primary School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site following the amalgamation of Samuel King’s Secondary School and Alston Primary School on the Samuel King’s Secondary School site. The capital receipt will be used to recoup the costs of a new multi-use games area and adventure playground and a contribution towards the amalgamation costs.

2018 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
Durham County Council	November 2018	Harelaw SEN School	As the building was not designed for the needs of SEN pupils, the school is moving to the former Greencroft Comprehensive School site, which is approximately 1 mile away from Harelaw School. The school buildings are undergoing a remodelling programme to ensure that they are suitable for SEN use. As a result, the Harelaw School site on its original site will be surplus to requirements. The proceeds of the disposal site will be used towards a classroom extension at Lanchester EP School.
Northamptonshire County Council	August 2018	King’s Cliffe Middle School	King’s Forest site only. King’s Cliffe Primary School has sufficient playing field on the site against guidelines. Part of the site will be sold and the council will use the capital receipt towards its school capital programme.
Northamptonshire County Council	August 2018	King’s Cliffe Endowed Primary School	The school has been relocated on a new site with sufficient playing field against recommended guidelines. The Park Street Site is surplus to educational needs and the council will use the capital receipt towards its school capital programme.
Warrington Borough Council	July 2018	University Academy Warrington	The disposal of a small part of the academy’s marginal playing field land to the council’s Highways Department to widen an existing road. The academy will still retain its minimum playing field recommended area and will benefit from new outdoor sports facilities.
Cumbria County Council	March 2018	Southfield School	The disposal of school playing field land at this closed school site following the amalgamation with Workington Academy. The capital receipt raised from the sale will cover part of the costs incurred for the provision of a new sports hall at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.
Suffolk County Council	March 2018	Stowmarket Middle School	The disposal of playing field land used by this former school by lease to Suffolk Football Association. The Suffolk Football Association will install 4 new 3G pitches and changing rooms which will be available for local school and community use. The rental income will be used to improve the external play areas at 3 local schools, Wood Ley Primary, Chilton Primary and Abbots Hall Primary.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council	March 2018	Wolfreton School and Sixth Form College	The disposal of part of an area of unused playing field land at this school site will fund improved sports facilities for schools in the area. The redevelopment of the redundant site will provide housing in accordance with need identified in the local plan.
North Lincolnshire Council	March 2018	Broughton Infant School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site following the amalgamation of Broughton Infant School and Broughton Junior School at the junior school site. The capital receipt raised from the sale will cover part of the costs of the works to merge the 2 schools onto one site to form the new Broughton Primary School.
Derbyshire County Council	February 2018	Tibshelf Town End Junior School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site following the amalgamation of Tibshelf Infant and Nursery School and Tibshelf Town End Junior School. The capital receipt raised from the sale of the vacated infant and junior school sites will cover part of the costs incurred for the provision of the new primary school site to be built on the former Tibshelf Community School site.
Derbyshire County Council	February 2018	Tibshelf Infant School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site following the amalgamation of Tibshelf Infant and Nursery School and Tibshelf Town End Junior School. The capital receipt raised from the sale of the vacated infant and junior school sites will cover part of the costs incurred for the provision of the new primary school site to be built on the former Tibshelf Community School site.
Wiltshire Council	February 2018	Fitzmaurice Primary School	Part of the playing field area at this maintained school was taken out of educational use and added to the local authority’s conservation holding due to safety concerns, after old mine workings were discovered underneath it. The school retains sufficient playing field to meet guidelines after disposal and the Secretary of State’s interest in the land being taken out of educational use is protected by a restriction on the title preventing any further disposal without his consent.
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council	January 2018	Pensby Park School	The capital receipt raised from this disposal of former school playing field land will fund projects at 6 schools within the borough as follows: Pensby High School - 3G sports pitch renewal, New Brighton Primary School-sports barn, Liscard Primary School - sports barn, Stanley School - landscaping and upgrading the sports pitch, Pensby School - landscaping and upgrading the sports pitch and Foxfield - landscaping the playing field.

2017 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
Governing Body of Futures Community College	December 2017	Futures Community College (now Southchurch High School)	Disposal of part of a tennis court with a closed school building which will be replaced on the adjacent academy site.
Connect Academy Trust	December 2017	Thornbury Park Primary School	Lease of a building to a private nursery provider with a small area of playing field land which provides quality outdoor play space for the nursery children. The academy exceeds the guidelines and the playing field land will revert to the academy trust when the lease expires.
The Maplesden Noakes Howard	December 2017	The Maplesden Noakes	The disposal of an area of underused land with the capital receipt to be invested in improving education and sports facilities at the academy.
Suffolk County Council	December 2017	Howard Primary School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. Part of the former site will accommodate the relocated community centre. The capital receipt raised from the development of the remainder of the former school site will cover part of the costs incurred for the enhanced sports facilities provided at Sybil Andrews Academy, which include a new 4G football and rugby pitch, activity studio and fully equipped gym.
Suffolk County Council	December 2017	St Mary’s RC Primary School	A disposal of a small area of playing field land at the school site to enable the provision of a private nursery to meet the demand and delivery of 30 hours free childcare for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds in the local area. This project was for government funding and the consequent disposal was considered and decided by ministers without consideration by the playing fields panel.
The Cowplain School	December 2017	The Cowplain School	The disposal of 2 areas of underused land with the capital receipt to be invested in improving education and sports facilities at the academy.
Cumbria County Council	October 2017	Thorncliffe School	The school closed in 2013 and following closure the land has remained unused and surplus to requirements. The capital receipt raised from the sale of the playing fields will be combined with the receipt from the disposal of Parkview playing field land. It will be spent on the construction of a hydrotherapy pool at Sandside Lodge School and upgrading an all-weather pitch at Katherine School, in Kendal.
Cumbria County Council	October 2017	Parkview School	The school closed in 2013 and the majority of playing field land transferred to Furness Academy under a 125-year lease. The remaining land will be sold to provide extra care housing and the receipt will be combined with the receipt from the disposal of Thorncliffe playing field land. It will be spent on the construction of a hydrotherapy pool at Sandside Lodge School and upgrading an all-weather pitch at Katherine School, in Kendal.
North East Lincolnshire Council	October 2017	Matthew Humberstone Church of England Lower School	The school closed in 2010. The proceeds of the sale will go towards the relocation of Bursar Primary Academy, to increase provision and provide the school with a grass playing field.
Derbyshire County Council	September 2017	Lady Manners School	The disposal of part of an area of unused playing field land at this school site will fund improved sports facilities at the school including the provision of a new all-weather pitch.
Durham County Council	September 2017	The Durham Free School	The large playing fields to the rear at this closed school are being retained. The council will dispose of the remaining areas. The capital receipt will help fund improvements at Oxclose Primary School, North Park Primary School and Lanchester Primary School.
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council	September 2017	Rock Ferry High School	The closed school site has been portioned into 3 areas of playing field space. Following consultation, only one area will be sold with the remaining areas to be transferred to the Rock Ferry Residents Association for continued use for the local community. The capital receipt from the disposal will help fund projects at various schools including playing field improvements at Riverside Primary and playing field drainage and safety nets at Stanley School.
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council	September 2017	The Lyndale School	Due to unviable pupil numbers, the school closed in July 2016 and pupils transferred to other special schools within the borough where the facilities met the needs of the pupil’s disability and special educational needs. The capital receipt will be combined with the Rock Ferry High School receipt and help fund projects at various schools including playing field improvements at Riverside Primary and playing field drainage and safety nets at Stanley School.
Essex County Council	July 2017	Beauchamps High School	Disposal of playing field land to fund new artificial pitch with joint user agreement for adjacent junior school.
Harris Federation	July 2017	Harris Academy Battersea	Disposal of marginal informal land to fund new 4-court sports hall and improvements in existing sports facilities on-site, with community use agreement.
Gloucestershire County Council	July 2017	Bishops’ College	The disposal of part of the former school playing field land at this closed school site. The capital receipt will cover the costs of a 4 court sports hall at Barnwood Park Arts College.
Nottingham City Council	July 2017	Henry Mellish Piccadilly	The disposal of former school playing field land used by this former school. The capital receipt will cover the costs incurred to fund improvements to Forest Fields Primary School which included the provision of a multi-use games area and improved outdoor recreational areas.
Lincolnshire County Council	July 2017	Aveland High School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. The receipt will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Lincolnshire County Council	July 2017	South View Community Primary School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. The receipt will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Lincolnshire County Council	July 2017	Aby Church of England Primary School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. The receipt will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Lincolnshire County Council	July 2017	The Lafford High School, Billnghay	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. The receipt will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Lincolnshire County Council	July 2017	Rippingale Church of England Primary School	The disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site. The receipt will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
The Premier Learning Trust	July 2017	Holland Park Primary School	The school is leasing a small area of land not used for sporting activities for the provision of a nursery. The income from the lease will be used to fund improvements to the school’s existing educational and sports facilities.
Sheffield City Council	July 2017	Intake Primary School	A disposal of a small area of playing field land at the school site to enable the provision of a private nursery to meet the demand and delivery of 30 hours free childcare for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds in the local area. This project was for government funding and the consequent disposal was considered and decided by ministers without consideration by the playing fields panel.
Lincolnshire County Council	June 2017	The Ludford Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of playing field land at this closed school site will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Nottingham City Council	June 2017	Eastglade Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school will cover the costs incurred to fund improvements to Robert Shaw Primary School which included the provision of improved recreational space and access to outdoor play areas.
Lincolnshire County Council	June 2017	Toftstead Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of former school playing field land at this closed school site will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Lancashire County Council	June 2017	Hameldon College	Whilst a large portion of land has been retained for Burnley High School, the council wishes to dispose of the remaining area at this closed school site and the money raised will be put towards capital costs incurred at existing schools.
Lincolnshire County Council	April 2017	Ermine Infants School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this closed school will part-fund the provision of the new Poplar Farm Primary School in Grantham.
Manchester City Council	April 2017	Manchester Enterprise Academy	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the playing field will be spent on capital improvements at the academy. The plans include upgrading the remaining sports facilities such as refurbishing the existing sports centre and the provision of a large artificial pitch and new external hard play areas. There will also be a new classroom block as well as comprehensive refurbishment of the existing hall.
Lincolnshire County Council	April 2017	St George’s Church of England Aided Primary School	A disposal of a small area of playing field land at the school site will enable the provision of a private nursery to meet the demand and delivery of 30 hours free childcare for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds in the local area. This project was for government funding and the consequent disposal was considered and decided by ministers without consideration by the playing fields panel.
Warrington Borough Council	March 2017	Fox Wood Special School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed site will be used to offset the council’s borrowing to deliver its SEN strategy following the relocation of Fox Wood Special School and Green Lane School to the new Woolston Learning Village and Grappenhall Hall School to Woolston Brook.
Warrington Borough Council	March 2017	Grappenhall Hall Special School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school will be used to offset the council’s borrowing to deliver its SEN strategy following the relocation of Grappenhall Hall Special School, Fox Wood Special School and Green Lane School to the new Woolston Learning Village and Woolston Brook.
Warrington Borough Council	March 2017	Dallam Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the playing field will be spent on improvements at the school. The plans include upgrading the sports pitch to provide good quality drainage and playing surface, which will enable the pitch to be playable all year round. In addition, an installation of a walkway around the school site which can also be used for running, cycling and walking. The remainder of the site will be developed into a ‘forest school’. The school will continue to exceed its minimum playing field requirement against guidelines.
Knowsley Borough Council	March 2017	Overdale Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the sale of this closed school will go towards improving the sports provision at 16 local schools.
Knowsley Borough Council	March 2017	Ninetree Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school will be used to contribute to an all-weather pitch at All Saints High School.
Lincolnshire County Council	February 2017	The Grantham Church (VA) High School	The school closed in 2013. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to the construction of new sports facilities at 2 separate school sites.
Staffordshire County Council	February 2017	Flash Church of England Primary School	The school closed in 2012. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to the resurfacing of an early years play area at Crackley Bank Primary School Nursery.
Solihull Council	February 2017	Coleshill Heath Infant School	The school closed in 2008. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to capital improvements at Windy Arbor Primary School.
Solihull Council	February 2017	Fordbridge Nursery and Infant School	The school closed in 2008. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to capital improvements at Yorkswood School.
Birmingham City Council	February 2017	Lindsworth North School	The school closed in 2011. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to the enhancement and improvement of a PE hall and sporting facilities at Osborne Primary School.
York City Council	January 2017	Burnholme Community College	The receipt raised from the disposal of part of the playing field at this closed school will contribute towards the cost of the improved sports and community facilities at the retained site. St Aelred’s School will also be provided with a grant towards the cost of a new all-weather pitch.
Joyce Frankland Academy Trust	January 2017	Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport	The disposal of an area of underused privately owned charitable land at the academy site with the capital receipt to be invested in improving education and sports facilities at the academy.
London Borough of Redbridge	January 2017	Mayfield School	Disposal a small part of the schools playing field to provide a new swimming and leisure facility for use by the school and the local community. The school will also benefit from the provision of a new design and technology facility.
Kent County Council	January 2017	Halfway Houses	Disposal of surplus school site following its relocation. Investment in the new site and its sports facilities and others as part of Kent’s overall capital programme.
Kent County Council	January 2017	Minster College	Disposal of a closed school site with the proceeds reinvested in sports provision and educational projects as part of Kent’s overall capital programme in the area.
The Broxbourne School Trust	January 2017	The Broxbourne School	Disposal of part of the school site to fund new facilities with improved sports facilities available to pupils and the community.
Lancashire County Council	January 2017	Tulketh High School	Whilst the majority of the land has been retained for community use at this closed school site, the council will dispose of an area of land and use the capital receipt on improving playing field drainage systems at local schools.

2016 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
The Academy Transformation Trust	November 2016	Mark Hall Academy	The disposal of a small strip of land on the periphery of the academy site to the council for a road-widening scheme which will not impact the academy’s sports pitches. The receipt will be used to fund improvements to the academy’s sporting facilities.
Darlington Borough Council	November 2016	Eastbourne School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of this closed school will contribute towards a multi-use games area at Heathfield Primary School.
London Borough of Havering	November 2016	Westlands Playing Field	The disposal of a small part of a local playing field, by lease, to Romford Football Club who intend to install a new pitch and facilities, and occasionally open it up for schools use. The remaining fields, around 88%, will continue for the use of local schools and local community. The funds raised from the lease will be reinvested in improving the remaining playing field.
Northumberland County Council	November 2016	St John`s Roman Catholic VA First School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school will contribute towards the cost of a floodlit 3G playing pitch at Bedlingtonshire High School.
Dorset County Council	September 2016	Bovington Middle School	The capital receipt raised at this closed school will contribute towards the new buildings for Winfirth and Lulworth Primary School at its new site.
City of Newcastle Council	September 2016	St Anthony’s School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school will contribute towards upgrading the play facilities at South Gosforth First School.
Hartlepool Borough Council	September 2016	Brierton Community College	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the playing fields at this closed school will contribute towards upgrading the remaining on-site sporting facilities available to the local community and schools in the area.
Tewkesbury School	September 2016	Tewkesbury School	The disposal of tennis courts to the local authority to provide land for a new sixth form facility to extend the age range of Alderman Knight Special School. The tennis courts will be replaced on another part of the site.
London Borough of Southwark	August 2016	Albion Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the playing area will contribute to new educational and sporting facilities at the school’s reconfigured site.
Shropshire Council	August 2016	Ifton Heath School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school site will contribute towards repaying the capital borrowing used to fund the amalgamation of 2 schools (Ifton Heath Primary and Rhyn Park Secondary schools) to create a new all-through school (St Martins School).
Shropshire Council	August 2016	Maesbury Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school site will contribute towards repaying the capital borrowing used to fund the amalgamation of 2 schools (Ifton Heath Primary and Rhyn Park Secondary schools) to create a new all-through school (St Martins School).
Shropshire Council	August 2016	Oaklands Primary	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school site will contribute towards repaying the capital borrowing used to fund the amalgamation of 2 schools (Ifton Heath Primary and Rhyn Park Secondary schools) to create a new all-through school (St Martins School).
Shropshire Council	August 2016	St Mary’s CE Primary	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at this closed school site will contribute towards repaying the capital borrowing used to fund the amalgamation of 2 schools (Ifton Heath Primary and Rhyn Park Secondary schools) to create a new all-through school (St Martins School).
Knowsley Council	August 2016	Knowsley Lane Primary	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the academy’s playing field will be spent on improving its remaining playing field area and it will still meet its recommended minimum playing field area.
Knowsley Council	August 2016	Roby Park Primary	The majority of the capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the school’s playing field will be spent on improving its remaining playing field area and the remaining receipt will help fund improvements to playing field facilities at Knowsley Lane Primary and St Columba RC Primary Schools. The school will still continue to meet its recommended minimum playing field area.
Knowsley Council	August 2016	St Columba RC Primary	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the school’s playing field will be spent on improving its remaining playing field area and it will still meet its recommended minimum playing field area.
Essex County Council	August 2016	Roding Valley High School	The disposal of an area of playing field located off-site which is not used by the school due to its poor condition. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of this unused area of playing field will contribute to the funding of an expansion project at the school. This project will include the provision of a new 3G pitch and improvements to the existing all-weather sports pitch and will enhance the current community access to these facilities.
Suffolk County Council	August 2016	Monks Eleigh Primary	The school has closed and the capital receipt raised from the disposal will contribute towards the proposed expansion at Whitehouse Community Primary School.
Suffolk County Council	August 2016	Worlingham Primary	The school has relocated to its new site and the capital receipt raised from the disposal of this closed site will contribute towards improvements at Roman Hill and Oulton Broad Primary Schools.
South Tyneside Council	June 2016	St Mary’s CE VA Primary School	The school closed in 2008. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will contribute to capital improvements at Fellgate Primary School.
Lincolnshire County Council	June 2016	Brocklesby Park Primary School	The school closed in 2015 and the capital receipt raised from the disposal of the council-owned playing area will contribute to improving the playground at Barrowby Primary School.
London Diocesan Board of Schools Academies Trust	June 2016	Holy Trinity Primary School, Haringey	The disposal to the local authority will, in practice, increase the area of playground space available to the pupils safely, by fencing off areas currently open to the public that are unusable due to concerns about antisocial behaviour.
Vale Academy Trust	May 2016	King Alfred’s Academy	The disposal of a surplus site inherited from the amalgamation of previous schools, to fund the rationalisation of the academy’s estate on 2 rather than 3 sites. The benefits of the site rationalisation exceed the shortfall in playing field land against the DfE guidelines, in this case, the land is not required for any other school and the academy will have access to a new 4G football pitch to make up for the shortfall in space against the published guidelines.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council	March 2016	Bishop Wilson CE Primary School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field at the closed school site will provide new multi-use games areas at 2 local primary schools.
Oxfordshire County Council	March 2016	Chiltern Edge Foundation School	The capital receipt raised from the disposal of part of the school’s playing field will fund improvements to the school’s educational and sports facilities which will include an all-weather pitch, a cricket pavilion, sports hall renovation and improved sports and changing facilities.

2015 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
Cheshire West & Cheshire Council	December 2015	Woodford Lodge High School	The school closed in 2010. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will fund playing improvements at Winsford Academy, Hebden Green Special School and Oaklands Special School.
Walsall MBC	September 2015	Beechdale Primary School	The school closed in 2007 and the pupils were transferred to other local schools. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to help fund improvements to Rushall Primary School buildings and external areas including improvements to the courtyard play area.
Walsall MBC	September 2015	Clothier Street Primary School	The school closed in 2006 and the pupils transferred to the new Fibbersley Park Primary School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to help fund improvements to Rushall Primary School buildings and external areas including improvements to the courtyard play area.
Walsall MBC	September 2015	Daw End Special School	The school closed in 2007 and the pupils transferred to the new Elmwood School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to help fund improvements to Rushall Primary School buildings and external areas including improvements to the courtyard play area.
Walsall MBC	September 2015	Lakeside Primary School	The school closed in 2006 and the pupils transferred to the new Fibbersley Park Primary School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to help fund improvements to Rushall Primary School buildings and external areas including improvements to the courtyard play area.
Durham County Council	September 2015	Ouston Infant School	The school site closed in 2013 with pupils transferring to the junior school site which merged and formed the Ouston Primary School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of land will help fund an expansion project at Tudhoe Colliery Primary School which will include the provision of a new multi-use games area, 2 classrooms and external works.
Derbyshire County Council	September 2015	Glossopdale Community College	The school operates from 3 sites all of which are in poor condition and the school is to be consolidated onto the main Hadfield Site due to a significant reduction in the numbers of pupils on roll. The capital receipt raised from the sale of the redundant Talbot Road and Talbot House sites will fund the school’s redevelopment to include the provision of a 4 court sports hall, activity studio and changing facilities. Externally there will be new and improved hard court multi-use games areas provided.
The Aldridge Foundation Trust	July 2015	Aldridge Academy, Walsall	The disposal of an area of land at the periphery of the school playing fields with the proceeds used to improve the academy’s existing sports facilities.
St Helena’s Academy Trust	July 2015	St Helena’s Academy, Colchester	The lease of an area of playing field land to a private sports company that will invest in new facilities to improve the use of the playing field land for pupils and the wider community. The improvements will include the provision of 7 all-weather pitches which will enable the playing field to be used all year round by pupils during school hours and for school league fixtures.
Loughton School Academy Trust	July 2015	Loughton Academy, Milton Keynes	Approval of a disposal prior to conversion of some woodland next to the school’s playing field land.
Epsom and Ewell High School Academy Trust	July 2015	Epsom & Ewell High School, Surrey	The disposal of an area of under-used playing field with the proceeds reinvested to improve the academy’s sports facilities providing 3 new all-weather pitches, 2 tennis courts and a new sports hall.
The Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form	July 2015	Tolworth Girls’ School	The disposal of an area of playing land to provide emergency egress for housing site with the proceeds used for improved sports facilities and a new block which will enable the academy to accept additional pupils.
Rydens Enterprise School and Sixth Form Academy Trust	July 2015	Ryden’s Enterprise School	Sale of land including playing fields to fund rebuilding and expansion of academy buildings. On completion, the academy will meet the DfE guidelines for playing field land.
Gillotts School Trust	March 2015	Gillotts School	The disposal of an area of playing field and ancillary wooded perimeter with the proceeds to be reinvested in new sport and educational facilities.
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School	March 2015	Kirkby Stephen Grammar School	The disposal of a redundant area of open land across a busy road from the school’s main site, with the proceeds to be reinvested in sports and recreation facilities on the main site.
Welton William Farr C of E Comprehensive School	March 2015	William Farr C of E Comprehensive School	The disposal of a strip of land at the perimeter of the school playing field to the local authority for a cycle route to the school, improving safety. The disposal will not affect the pupils’ use of the playing field and proceeds will be used to replace the cricket pitch with an artificial surface.
Hertfordshire County Council	February 2015	Onslow St Audrey’s School	The disposal of an area of playing field not used by the academy as it is sloping land with poor drainage. The capital receipt will fund improvements to the academy including replacing temporary buildings with a new sports hall, a 2 storey science block to accommodate 6 new classrooms and a refurbished gymnasium with changing rooms and provision of a multi-use games area.
Bedford Borough Council	February 2015	Putnoe Lower School	A small portion of the former Putnoe Lower School site’s playing field area will be disposed of to help fund a new education music and arts hub at Newnham Middle School. The council will retain the majority of the playing field land at the former school site for community use whilst also allocating a small area to Sunflower House, a respite care facility for children with disabilities, and another small area to Overdale Tots pre-school group (both areas of playing field land will remain in use as playing field).
Stour Vale Academy Trust	February 2015	The Earl’s High School, Wolverhampton	The disposal of an area of land at the perimeter of the school playing field to the local authority which will have no impact on the pupils’ use of the land for sport or recreation. The land will be used to replace an existing footpath to address safeguarding risks.
Durham County Council	January 2015	Esh Winning Infant School	The infant site closed following the extension on the junior school site to create Esh Winning Primary School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will be used to finance gym refurbishments at the nearby Langley Park School and to part-fund a classroom extension at Easington Primary School.
Durham County Council	January 2015	Murton Nursery School	The nursery school closed in 2006 following the opening of Murton Ribbon Community School which provided nursery provision. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the playing field will part-fund a school expansion project at Easington Primary School, together with part of the capital receipt raised from the sale of playing field land at the former Esh Winning Infant School site.
Oxfordshire Council	January 2015	Banbury School	The disposal of playing field land following which the academy will still exceed the playing field land required by the published guidance. The majority of the proceeds will be used to improving sports facilities for use by pupils and the community.

2014 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
North Yorkshire County Council	December 2014	Hirst Courtney and Temple Hirst Primary School	The school closed in 2014 and pupils were allocated places at Chapel Haddlesey Primary School. The proceeds of the sale of the playing field land will contribute towards new outdoor playing equipment at Chapel Haddlesey Primary School.
Suffolk County Council	November 2014	Wetheringsett CE Primary School	Disposal of a small area of playing field land to the local parish council in order to relocate and build a better-equipped community hall which the school will have access for use during school hours. The land currently occupied by the existing village hall will be converted back to school playing field land and the school will continue to have considerably more than the recommended minimum playing field area.
Durham County Council	November 2014	Plawsworth Road Infant School	The school closed in 2013 and pupils were allocated places at the nearby Sacriston Primary School. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the former school will contribute towards the expansion capital project at Ludworth Primary School which includes the provision of a new classroom, toilets and creation of a new access route around the school.
Barnsley Council	November 2014	Worsborough St Mary’s Primary	The school closed in 2007 and the site is in a poor condition. The capital receipt raised from the disposal of the site will provide a new fenced ball games area and contribute towards the cost of building a new sports hall as part of the expansion project at Worsbrough Common Primary School.
The Plume School Academy Trust	November 2014	Plume School	The disposal of a playing field not used by the academy as it is remote from its main sites. Community use will transfer to the main site where new facilities will be provided. The proceeds will contribute towards new sports facilities, including a new multi-use games area on its lower school site.
The Ferrers School Trust	October 2014	The Ferrers School	The disposal of a small area of playing field land to provide a public cycle path. The pupils will benefit from a safer route to school and this will also promote healthy lifestyles.
Halton Council	September 2014	Fairfield High School	Fairfield High School closed in 2009 and all the pupils transferred to the nearby Wade Deacon High School. The proceeds of the sale will be used towards the development of an all-weather pitch, to improve the ICT provision and make improvements to the buildings and facilities such as improving access to the site at Fairfield Primary School.
Hertfordshire Council	September 2014	Cheshunt School	The school will dispose of part of its existing playing field. The capital receipt raised will fund improvements which will include a new multi-use games area pitch with floodlighting, improved access to the swimming pool, a new sports centre and refurbishment of existing school buildings. After the proposed reconfiguration, the school will still have considerably more than the recommended minimum playing field area, together with improved quality of provision.
	August 2014	Priory Federation	Sale of the equestrian facility no longer required for curriculum purposes. The majority of the proceeds are to be used to invest in sports facilities at the remaining academies within the Priory Federation.
Bradford Council	July 2014	Braithwaite Special School	Braithwaite Special School closed in 2010 as part of local special school reorganisation. The proceeds of the sale of an area of unused playing field at the former school site will be used, together with the proceeds from Heaton Royds, to enhance and improve the playing field provision at Long Lee Primary School as part of a larger expansion project.
Bradford Council	July 2014	Heaton Royds Special School	Heaton Royds Special School closed in 2010 as part of local special school reorganisation. The proceeds of the sale of an area of unused playing field at the former school site will be used, together with the proceeds from Braithwaite, to enhance and improve the playing field provision at Long Lee Primary School as part of a larger expansion project.
Tolworth Girls’ School Academy Trust	June 2014	Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth-Form	Disposal of a small area of playing field land will provide access to develop an unused area of land unsuitable for school use. Proceeds from development will include investment in new sporting facilities including a multi-use games area, running track and other athletics facilities, and to build new academy facilities to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers.
Hertswood Academy Trust	June 2014	Hertswood Academy	Consolidation of split-site school and disposal of one site. Most of the receipt is to be used to fund the rebuilding of this academy on the retained site, to a more efficient footprint and new sports pitches and hall for pupil and community use.
Cornwall Council	June 2014	Falmouth School	The school will dispose of part of a detached playing field. Part of the capital receipt will fund the purchase of a closed, adjacent former hospital site, and the school will convert this into playing fields thereby developing an effective self-contained site. The improvements will include a new 3G pitch, new grass pitches, access and maintenance buildings. There are 2 community users of the site and both support the development. After the proposed reconfiguration, the school will have almost double the recommended playing field area, together with improved quality of provision.
Cheshire West & Chester	June 2014	Acorns Infant School	Acorns Infant School amalgamated with the adjacent Acorns Junior School and became Acorns Primary School. The former Acorns Infant site closed in 2011, the buildings were demolished and the site was fenced off and unused. The council will reinvest the capital receipt from the sale of this surplus site into 2 local schools. Brookside Primary School will benefit from the provision of a new multi-use games area which can be used for play all year round, and Whitby High School will have their old shale pitch resurfaced and brought back into use.
Cheshire West & Chester Council	June 2014	Handley Hill Primary School	Handley Hill closed in 2009 as part of the council’s programme of rationalisation. The site was fenced off and unused. The council plans to reinvest the receipt raised from the sale of the land into 6 local schools. Over St John Primary School will have its sports and play facilities enhanced by resurfacing of the play area and provision of adventure equipment. St Joseph Primary School will be provided with an adventure play area, including new surfacing and trim trail equipment. Oaklands Primary School will benefit from a new outdoor safety surface, together with outdoor equipment for use by children with special needs. Winsford High Street School will benefit from improvements to changing and shower facilities. Darnhall Primary School will benefit from the provision of a new play zone and covered outdoor shelter which will extend the availability of the existing play area. Eaton Primary School will benefit from the provision of a new multi-use games area which will be available to use all year.
Knowsley Council	June 2014	Bowring Sports College	Bowring Sports College and Knowsley Hey Comprehensive merged and formed the new Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning on the Knowsley Hey site. The old Bowring Sports College site closed in 2009. The proceeds of the sale will be invested in 20 local school projects to improve the quality of playing field provision and enable schools to access playing fields all year round. Playing field drainage will be improved at The Sylvester School, Malvern School, St Michael and All Angels Primary School, St Joseph Primary School, St Joseph the Worker Primary School and Newstead Centre. Playing field drainage and fencing will be improved at Plantation Primary School, Millbrook Primary School, St Margaret Mary Juniors, St Andrews Primary School, Huyton with Roby Primary School, St Lukes Primary School, St Anne’s Primary School, Longview Community School, St Mark’s Primary School, Alt Bridge Secondary Support Centre, Highfield Special School and St Columba Primary School. St Alberts Primary School will receive phase 2 of improvements to playing field drainage and fencing, and St Maries Primary School will receive investment in fencing, a habitat and nature area and playing field drainage.
Somerset Council	May 2014	Bridgwater College Academy	Somerset Council will dispose of a small proportion of the academy’s playing field land, which is subject to flooding and is regularly waterlogged. After the disposal, the academy will continue to exceed the recommended minimum area of playing field land. Proceeds of the sale will be used to contribute towards a new, on-site, full-size floodlit 3G artificial surface sports pitch, and to refurbish the existing sports hall floor.
Plymouth Council	May 2014	Tamerton Vale Primary School	The school closed in 2008 following its amalgamation with Southway Primary School form Beechwood Primary School, which then relocated to new premises. This closed site became surplus to the council’s education requirements. The full proceeds of the sale will be utilised to part-fund a new sporting facility hub which will be used by the local community and surrounding schools. The hub will consist of 4 pitches suitable for a range of age groups, together with changing facilities and on-site parking.
Plymouth Council	May 2014	Southway Primary School	The school closed in 2008 following its amalgamation with Tamerton Vale Primary School to form Beechwood Primary School, which then relocated to new premises. This closed site became surplus to the council’s education requirements. Some of the proceeds of the sale of the old site will part-fund a new sporting facility hub which will be used by the local community and surrounding schools. The hub will consist of 4 pitches suitable for a range of age groups, together with changing facilities and on-site parking. The remaining proceeds of the sale will contribute to a new multi-use games area for the new build Knowle Primary School.
London Borough of Islington	April 2014	Ashmount Primary School	Ashmount Primary School has been relocated to new purpose-built accommodation in Crouch Hill. EFA has agreed with Islington Council to use part of the old site as the location for Whitehall Park free school – set up in response to significant local demand, and the council will use part of the site to provide badly needed affordable housing in the borough. The playing field area available for Whitehall Park School will be made up of hard and soft play areas, a rooftop play area and a multi-use games area. This is more playing field land than was available on-site for the old Ashmount Primary School because the former school buildings were sprawling and inefficient. In addition, the council is installing an artificial pitch surface and is upgrading the roof for rooftop play.
Cornwall Council	January 2014	Redruth School	This operating school will dispose, via lease, of a narrow strip of marginal land to an established Arts Centre adjacent to the school site. This area of land will be part of a redevelopment of this arts facility and will enable a new access point and car park to be provided. The school will continue to exceed the recommended minimum area for playing fields and the land earmarked for disposal does not form part of the school sports pitch. The premium paid from the lease agreement will contribute towards the cost of developing changing room facilities at Redruth School.
Whitley Academy Trust	January 2014	Whitley Academy	The disposal of playing field land to an independent school, Coventry Schools Foundation – King Henry VIII School. This was to compensate for the loss of playing field land following a compulsory purchase of its land as part of the A45 road widening scheme. After the sale, the academy will still have more than twice the minimum area of playing field land recommended in guidelines. The land to be sold will be subject to a restriction that it is to be used only for playing fields. Approval was granted subject to conditions, including that the proceeds will be ring-fenced for improving the academy’s existing sporting facilities.

2013 approved applications

Applicant	Date of decision	School	Reason for decision
Durham County Council	December 2013	Tudhoe Grange	This school closed in 2012. The pupils have transferred to Whitworth Park School and 6th Form College which has been rebuilt on the site of the former Spennymoor Comprehensive School. The capital receipt from the sale of this closed site will be put towards the school’s new sports provisions as well as the new school building.
London Borough of Hillingdon	December 2013	Deanesfield Primary	The council wishes to transfer a small area of marginal land to the Queens Walk Learning Resource Centre to contribute to the creation of a new sensory and wellbeing garden. The land will remain in the council’s ownership but within social services rather than education. In exchange, the school will benefit from the creation of an outside fitness trail. The school playing field will continue to exceed the minimum recommended area.
Ansford Academy Trust	December 2013	Ansford Academy	The academy has granted a 10-year lease of playing field land at the periphery of the site for community allotments which will be used by pupils for curriculum purposes. It will continue to exceed the minimum recommended area for playing fields following the grant of the lease and the land will revert to the academy at lease expiry.
Telford and Wrekin Council	December 2013	Wrockwardine Wood Academy and Sutherland Academy	Wrockwardine Wood Arts Academy and Sutherland Business Academy are to merge and move to a new site provided by the council at Oakengates. The existing sites which include playing field land will be transferred to Telford and Wrekin Council who will retain significant playing field land for community use, and sell the remainder of the sites to part-fund the new academy. The new academy will have playing fields together with soft and hard courts at the new site and use of leisure centre facilities. The playing field area will exceed the minimum recommended in guidelines.
Telford and Wrekin Council	December 2013	Blessed Robert Johnson (Holy Trinity Academy)/Charlton Academy	The Blessed Robert Johnson school is to close and be replaced by a new ecumenical academy (the Holy Trinity Academy) on a new site (including playing field land) provided by the council at Priorslee. The new academy trust will hold the land, which will include all the academy buildings and a new multi-use games area. The academy will also be granted a licence and a 125-year community use agreement of community playing fields next door to the site, with the community to be able to use the academy’s facilities. With this land, the academy will exceed the DfE’s minimum playing field guidelines by more than 60%. The governing body and diocese will transfer the existing Blessed Robert Johnson school site to the council, who will transfer all this land to provide a new site for Charlton Academy. The playing field land available to pupils at Charlton’s new site will a significant improvement over its existing site. The council will sell the existing Charlton Academy site to part-fund the new academy buildings at Holy Trinity and Charlton Academies.
Telford and Wrekin Council	December 2013	Phoenix Academy/ Captain Webb School	Phoenix Academy will move to a new site provided by Telford and Wrekin Council that includes playing field land. Pupils at the Phoenix Academy will have over 50% more playing field land available at the new site than the recommended minimum area in guidelines. Some playing field land from the former Phoenix Academy site will transfer to the Captain Webb Primary School which will then exceed the DfE’s minimum guidelines for playing fields. Telford and Wrekin Council will sell the remainder of the former Phoenix site to part-fund the new academy buildings.
Telford and Wrekin Council	December 2013	Lakeside Academy/ Grange Park Primary School (and Bridge Special School)	Part of Lakeside Academy’s existing site will be transferred to the council including playing field land. Land will be provided by the council at the former site of the Bridge Special School for new buildings and playing fields. With the benefit of access to these playing fields, pupils at Lakeside will have access to 4 times the minimum areas of playing fields set out in guidelines. New school buildings will be constructed on the footprint of the former Lakeside Academy for Grange Park Primary School. Pupils at Grange Park will benefit from access to the facilities at Lakeside which lie next door. The council will sell land at Grange Park Primary and part of the former Bridge Special School to part-fund the rebuilding of Grange Park and Lakeside Academy. (Bridge School having already been rebuilt.)
Churchfields Academy Trust	November 2013	Churchfields Academy	The academy has granted a 10 year (non-renewable) lease of a small area of outdoor play space for a private nursery and so is still in educational recreational use. The academy will still exceed the minimum recommended guidelines for playing fields following the grant of the lease and the land will revert to the academy at lease expiry.
Chauncy School Academy Trust	November 2013	Chauncy Academy	An area of playing field land will be sold and the proceeds used to improve a significant area of woodland to create playing field space and a sports hall that will be used by the local community when not in use by the pupils. Local schools will be able to access the facilities and a formal agreement with St Catherine’s will provide access to the sports hall, a new nature trail and play areas. The academy will still exceed the minimum recommended guidelines for playing fields following the disposal and have the benefit of the indoor sports hall.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Brookside Primary School	Knowsley suffers from a very high water table which causes a variety of problems. A large number of Knowsley’s playing fields are on compacted clay soil which has very poor drainage. Issues with school sites include rainwater causing flooding to surrounding houses and gardens as well as school buildings, rainwater flooding hard play areas and very limited use of school playing fields in winter months due to waterlogging. This means the majority of the sporting curriculum in Knowsley is delivered on hard play areas and assembly or sports hall(s) in winter months which has its limitations. Brookside Primary School closed in 2011 and merged with another local school on a new site with new sports facilities. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for sports games purposes. As a result of this, there are no community users of this field and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 2 local schools. St Aloysius Primary and St Aidens Primary will receive drainage improvements for their playing fields.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Cherryfield Primary School	The school closed in 2009 and merged with another local school on a new site with new sports facilities. The playing field at this closed school suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for sports games. As a result, there are no community users of this field and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 3 local schools. Kirkby Sports College and St John Fisher School will benefit from drainage improvements for their playing fields. Park Brow Primary will benefit by having some additional playing field created on its site.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Knowsley Northern Primary School	This school closed in 2011 and pupils merged with 2 local schools. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for sports games and as a result of this there are no community users of this field and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 4 local schools. Eastcroft Park Primary, Saints Peter & Paul Primary and St Albert’s Primary will benefit from improved drainage to their playing fields, as well as new fencing. Northwood Primary School will benefit from improved drainage of its playing field.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Knowsley Southern Primary School	This school closed in 2011 and pupils relocated to a new site with new sports facilities. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for sports games. As a result, there are no community users of this field and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 2 local schools. Halewood Centre for Learning will benefit from improved drainage of its playing field and fencing around it. Cronton Primary School will have improved drainage of its playing field.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Mackets Primary School	This school closed in 2006 and pupils relocated to a nearby school. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for sports games. As a result, there are no community users of this field and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 5 local schools. Kirkby Primary School will benefit from new fencing on part of the site, Knowsley Central and Halewood Primary will benefit from improved playing field drainage and new fencing. Holy Family Primary (Halewood) will benefit from improved playing field drainage and the hard play area will be resurfaced. Holy Family Primary (Cronton) will benefit from improved playing field drainage.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	Sacred Heart Primary School	This school closed in 2011 and pupils merged with 2 other schools and relocated to a new site. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for playing sports games. As a result, there are no community users, and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 2 local schools. St Laurence’s Primary will benefit from the creation of an additional hard play area and Westvale Primary will benefit from additional fencing around its playing field.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	St Agnes Primary School	This school closed in 2011 and the pupils merged with 2 other schools and pupils relocated to surrounding schools. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for playing sports games. As a result, there are no community users, and no other schools wish to make use of this area. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 4 local schools. Blacklow Brow Primary School, St Brigids Primary and Knowsley Village School will benefit from improved playing field drainage, and Mosscroft Primary School will benefit from the installation of fencing around its playing field area.
Knowsley Council	November 2013	St Edmund Arrowsmith High School	This school closed in 2009 and the pupils relocated to a new site with new sports facilities. The playing field at this closed site suffers from poor drainage and is not fit for playing sports games. As a result, there are no community users. The capital receipt raised from the sale will go towards improving the sports provision at 10 local schools. St Mary & St Paul’s Primary School will receive improved drainage to its playing field and fencing. Whiston Willis Primary School will receive improved drainage and fencing for its playing fields and improvements to the existing hard play area. Prescot Primary School, Roby Park Primary School, Halsnead Primary School and St Leo’s & Southmead Primary School will all benefit from improved their playing field drainage. Our Lady’s Primary School will benefit from improved drainage and fencing and Evelyn Primary School will benefit from improved playing field drainage, as well as a contribution towards the creation of a new forest area for pupil learning. Park View School will benefit from improvements to the hard play and soft informal areas and St Gabriel’s Primary School will benefit from extending an area of hard play, as well as drainage improvements to its playing field.
Warwickshire County Council	October 2013	Coleshill Academy	The academy has leased playing fields to North Warwickshire Borough Council, who will provide pupils and the community with a £4.2 million investment in new indoor sporting facilities. The new leisure centre will be available to the academy during school hours.
Gloucestershire County Council	September	Berry Hill School	Berry Hill School buildings require major repairs. The school is supported by The Lakers Family Co-Operative College Trust, and the governing body decided to relocate Berry Hill School onto the nearby Lakers School site, sharing the facilities to become an all-age learning campus with both schools retaining their existing separate identities. The proceeds from the disposal of playing field land at the old Berry Hill site will be completely reinvested in the remodelling of the building and sports improvements at the school’s new location.
East Sussex County Council	September 2013	Sidley Community School	The school became Glenleigh Park Primary Academy and moved to a new, larger site in September 2012. Proceeds of sale of the surplus site will be used to provide a new multi-use games area at the Battle & Langton Church of England Primary School, and a new hard play surface at Etchingham School.
London Borough of Barnet	July 2013	The Compton Academy	The academy has leased playing fields to a private sports operator to replace the existing operator, for use as a community sports facility. There is no loss of land available to pupils during school hours and the operator will make significant investment in improvements, including a complete refurbishment of the existing sports centre facilities, fitness suite and changing rooms which will benefit the pupils of the academy. A formal community user agreement will be put in place to allow the wider community to have access to the facilities.
Surrey County Council	July 2013	Yattendon School	The governing body wished to dispose of surplus playing field land in order to fund a range of improvements to the school. These include a new all-weather pitch, ICT facilities, library facilities, improved disabled access and facilities, and toilet facilities. The surplus land that was disposed of was regularly waterlogged and unable to be used in poor weather conditions. The all-weather pitch will increase the availability of sporting facilities for pupils.
London Borough of Islington	July 2013	Moreland Primary School	The school is relocating to a new site. The proceeds of the sale of the old site will fund the new school, nursery and children’s centre. The sporting facilities on the new site will be of far greater quality and area than on the old, confined site. Those facilities include a multi-use games area, a dedicated hard play area and indoor hall space which will facilitate gym, softball games and dance for the pupils.
North Tyneside Council	July 2013	Parkside Special School	The site closed in 2008 after the school relocated to a new build. The council performed extensive community consultation to try and secure a viable use for the unwanted site but no options emerged. Proceeds from the sale of the playing fields will be invested specifically into sports and community facilities in 2 newly constructed primary schools, St Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School and St Stephen’s Roman Catholic Primary School.
Uxbridge High School Academy Trust	June 2013	Uxbridge Academy	The academy has leased playing fields to a local football club who will invest over £2 million in new footballing facilities, for academy pupils to use during school hours. The football club also offers specialist coaching to academy pupils.
William Howard Academy Trust	June 2013	William Howard	The adjacent independent infant school bought a small piece of land from the academy for outdoor play. The land was at a bottom of a hill so not easily used by the academy, but it is of significant benefit as an outdoor play space for the infant school.
Liverpool City Council	May 2013	Croxteth Comprehensive School	The school closed in 2010. The land will be sold and the proceeds of the sale used to help rebuild St John Bosco Arts College. This will include the remodelling of the sports hall and multi-use games area.
Liverpool City Council	May 2013	Ashfield Special School	The school closed in 2004. The land to be sold consists of sloping marginal land. The proceeds of sale will be used as part of a capital project to rebuild Holly Lodge Girl’s College, specifically by funding the remodelling of the sports hall and multi-use games area.
Sandwell Council	May 2013	Yew Tree Primary School (Fir Tree Annex)	The school previously operated from 2 separate sites. When the 2 sites merged a new 8 classroom block and enhanced sports facilities, including a new sports pitch and a multi-use games area, were built on the original Yew Tree Primary School site. The Fir Tree Annex closed and the proceeds of the sale will pay for the new facilities.
Surrey County Council	April 2013	Therfield School	The council wishes to sell an old, dilapidated tennis court and a small area of marginal playing field (around 0.9% of the school’s provision). The proceeds of the sale will be invested in a new tennis court and will part-fund a new dance and drama hall, improving sports and recreational facilities at the school. The school will retain over 121,000m² of playing field land – the equivalent to around 17 football pitches.
Dorset County Council	April 2013	Milldown Primary	The school closed in 2010 and the pupils relocated to new premises. The proceeds of the sale will go towards the provision of a synthetic turf pitch close to the new Milldown School.
Rydens Enterprise School Trust	March 2013	Rydens School	The academy trust is selling the nursery school to the existing nursery provider together with its playground which will remain in use by children attending the nursery. The proceeds of sale will be used for essential repairs and a feasibility study to redevelop the academy estate.
Baxter College Trust	February 2013	Baxter College	The disposal will enable the construction of a new special school. Benefits to the academy include a new multi-use games area, access to a new 13 room science block replacing dilapidated mobile classrooms, an early years hub and a vocational hub. The special school’s new pitch, hydrotherapy pool and small sports hall will be available to the community out of hours.
Essex County Council	February 2013	Maltings Academy	The council are disposing of a hard play area, by lease, to Braintree District Council who will build a new £9 million sports centre building. The school, other local schools and the wider community will benefit from this new facility.
Rochdale MBC	February 2013	Balderstone Technical College	The school closed in July 2010 due to a local authority re-organisation. The local authority is retaining a large team game playing field area which will be used by the community and other schools. The proceeds of the sale will contribute towards a 3G multi-use games area at the nearby Kingsway Park High School.
Liverpool City Council	February 2013	New Heys Comprehensive School	The school closed in July 2010. The only group using the playing field land was the Enterprise South Liverpool Academy, who will migrate to a brand new building that will open in July. The proceeds of the sale will be put towards the re-building of 2 existing schools (St. John Bosco Arts College & Our Lady & St. Swithin’s Primary School) onto one site. The new sports facilities will include the remodelling of a sports hall and provision of a multi-use games area.
Durham County Council	January 2013	Hamsteels Primary School	The school closed in 2007 and pupils transferred to nearby Esh Winning Primary School. There are no schools within one mile and none that want to use the site. There are no community users, and at the consultation, there were no objections to the disposal of the playing field. Proceeds to be used to provide a new indoor gym and music room at Elemore Hall School.

2012 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
Birmingham City Council	November 2012	Langley Special School	Closed school site. The pupils have transferred to brand new purpose-built accommodation and share the campus with Coppice Primary School. The proceeds will be put towards its new indoor and outdoor sports provisions as well as the new school building.
Folkestone Academy Trust	November 2012	Folkestone Academy	The land to be disposed of is an old primary school. The Academy expanded in 2009 and merged with the primary school, which remained at its existing site. The intention is to move the primary school into newly completed buildings on the main Folkestone Academy site. The proceeds of the sale will be put towards the cost of the new school. The new academy facilities include a multi-use games area, cricket nets, 2 grass pitches and an all-weather pitch. In addition, the primary aged pupils will have their own playground areas accessed from their teaching areas and secured from the secondary pupils.
Essex County Council	October 2012	Passmores Technology College	The school has moved to a brand new school site, Passmore’s Academy, so its original site is surplus to requirements. The proceeds will be put towards the new facilities at Passmore’s Academy including a new gym, an all-weather pitch and new recreation areas.
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead	October 2012	Windsor Girls School	Some of the playing field land is rarely used by the school because of poor drainage. This area (around 1,340m², less than 3% of the school’s playing field) will be sold to the adjacent hospice. The proceeds will be spent on a new sports hall for the school, and the school will retain more than 44,600m² of playing field land – the equivalent of around 6 football pitches.
North Yorkshire County Council	October 2012	Netherside Hall Special School	Closed school site. The pupils have transferred to the refurbished Forest Moor Special School in Harrogate. The proceeds will be put towards the cost of the new sports hall at Forest Moor School.
Cornwall Education Learning Trust	August 2012	Newquay Tretherras Academy	This academy is an amalgamation of 2 schools and some facilities are duplicated and too small for the current number of pupils and the school’s curriculum needs. The proceeds from the disposal of surplus playing fields will be used to generate new playing areas, drain current playing fields which currently have limited use, and substantially rebuild and modernise its buildings, creating a state-of-the-art science lab and a community theatre.
Surrey County Council	July 2012	Cranleigh Primary School	The old school site is being disposed of and a new, purpose-built school is being developed around 500 yards from the existing location. The new school will have significantly enhanced sporting provision which will include a new school gym.
Chester West & Chester Council	May 2012	Gorsthills Primary	Closed school site. The proceeds are to be reinvested into sports provision at several local schools, including the installation of a new playing field drainage system, developing a new outside play area and provision of tennis and netball courts.
Hampshire County Council	March 2012	St Peters CoE Junior School	Closed school site. All proceeds reinvested in Cranford Park Primary to form team game playing fields and to develop a new external environmental teaching area.
Staffordshire County Council	February 2012	Pear Tree Primary School	Two disposals (Nursery Fields Primary) of closed school sites. Proceeds reinvested in school sports provision including Rugely Leisure Centre swimming pool and the extension of an all-weather pitch. Any remaining to be invested in local school sports improvements.
Staffordshire County Council	February 2012	Nursery Fields Primary School	Two disposals (Pear Tree Primary) of closed school sites. Proceeds reinvested in school sports provision including Rugely Leisure Centre swimming pool and the extension of an all-weather pitch. Any remaining to be invested in local school sports improvements.

2011 approved applications

Applicant	Date Approved	School	Reason for decision
North Yorkshire County Council	December 2011	Langcliffe Primary School	Closed school site. The proceeds of sale are to be invested in improvements to changing rooms at Settle College.
North Yorkshire County Council	December 2011	Low Bentham Primary School	Closed school site. Proceeds invested in sports provision at the refurbished High Bentham School.
South Tyneside Council	November 2011	Highfield Infant School	Closed school site. Proceeds to be reinvested into new and improved sports facilities at Harton Primary School, which include a nature reserve, external play equipment and general enhancements to the existing multi-use games areas.
London Borough of Havering Council	October 2011	Dunningford Primary School	Closed school site. Entire proceeds to contribute to newly built Elm Park Primary, including sports provision which consists of a multi-use games court, junior football pitch and hard play areas.
West Berkshire Council	May 2011	The Winchcombe Primary School	Closed school site following consolidation onto a single site. Proceeds of sale invested in Winchcombe School and a multi-use games area for Trinity School.
London Borough of Brent Council	July 2011	Kingsbury High School	Disposal was by way of a lease to a private company that redeveloped and improved the schools playing field that was subject to poor drainage and under used. Funding introduced all-weather playing surfaces comprising of 5-a-side and 7-a-side pitches, a full-sized football and hockey pitch and a 6-court indoor tennis facility. The school will receive income from private hire of facilities outside school hours, to invest in future sports provision.
Gateshead Council	July 2011	Lord Lawson of Beamish	Disposal of an area of land by lease to Birtley Athletics Club to improve sporting provision for the club and the school. Although consent was given to this project, it did not go ahead.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council	February 2011	Saltergill Special School	Closed school site. Proceeds of sale to be fully invested in the improvement of drainage to sports pitches at Conyers School and the redevelopment of the cricket changing pavilion at Egglescliffe School.
Worcestershire County Council	February 2011	Dingleside Middle School	Closed school site sold as part of local redevelopment. Proceeds of sale fully invested in sports improvements at up to 15 local schools.

2010 approved applications

Applicant	Date	School	Reason for decision
Rochdale MBC	November 2010	Heywood High School	Closed school site. Rochdale Council retained 52,500m² – the equivalent of around 7 football pitches - for local community use. Proceeds of the sale of the disposed area contributed to the local authority’s Building Schools for the Future programme for sports provision.
Plymouth City Council	November 2010	Estover Primary School	Part of a redevelopment project to form a campus combining Estover Community College, Estover Primary School, Downham Special School and the Plymouth Hospital and Outreach School. The entire proceeds of the sale were used towards the new campus, including sports pitches, an all-weather pitch, a multi-use games area, soft and hard informal and social space.
Plymouth City Council	November 2010	Estover College	Refurbishment of Estover Primary and Community College campuses.
Cheshire West & Chester Council	September 2010	Highfield Primary School	The school disposed of an area of surplus playing field land. The proceeds will be used to extend and remodel the main school building, and to provide new outdoor sports facilities at the school consisting of a climbing wall, nature reserve area and an assault course. The school retained 20,391m² of playing field land – the equivalent of about 3 football pitches.
Buckinghamshire County Council	September 2010	Great Marlow School	The school disposed of a small area of marginal, triangular-shaped sloping land that was not suitable as playing field. Proceeds were allocated to fund an all-weather pitch, new hard court play area and the relocation of a tennis court.
Kent County Council	September 2010	Beaver Green Primary	Following consolidation of 2 school sites into 1, this site was surplus. The proceeds of the sale funded a new playing field and hall at Eastchurch Primary School and a new playing field for Archbishop Courtenay Primary School.
Plymouth City Council	September 2010	High View School	Surplus site following amalgamation (and reconstruction of a new site) of Highfield and Plym View schools. The proceeds of the sale were reinvested into sports facilities at the new single-site school.
North Somerset Council	June 2010	St Katherine CE Primary	Closed school site. Proceeds used to fund sports improvement at Winford School, including resurfacing the playground and redesigning hard and soft play areas at Winford School.
Croydon Council	May 2010	Waddon Infant School	The school closed and merged with Duppas Junior School to form the new Aerodrome School. The Waddon school site has been redeveloped along with other non-educational property in the area, to fund a new leisure centre which includes a new swimming pool, sports hall and open space for the community. The remaining proceeds from the sale have been used to fund Aerodrome School’s outdoor and indoor sports facilities.
Croydon Council	May 2010	Red Gates School	The school has relocated to the site of the former Gilbert Scott Infant School and uses their playing fields. Proceeds from the sale of the site were put towards the nearby new Aerodrome School sports facilities.
Hampshire County Council	May 2010	Warblington School	The school is leasing land to a local hockey club who will develop the hockey pitch for school and community use.

Refused applications

Applicant	Date of decision	School/Academy	Reason for decision
Hertfordshire Counnty Council	November 2023	Laureate Academy	Application by Future Academies to dispose of a detached school site (Laureate Academy) which includes a small area of playing field land. The application was refused and a direction made that the entire site (including playing field land) is transferred to Hertfordshire County Council without compensation, to provide accommodation for school purposes, including additional places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Peterborough City Council	November 2023	Ken Stimpson Academy	Application by Peterborough City Council for the appropriation of an area of school playing land field at the school and designate it as public open space. The large loss of playing field land without mitigation to counter such loss, means that the benefits to the school do not outweigh the presumption against the loss of school playing field land and as a result the application was refused.
Kent County Council	March 2023	St Saviours CofE Junior School	Application to install a 5G telecommunication mast on part of the school’s playing field land. The application was refused on the basis the school and the local authority (as applicant) did not support the proposal, there was no mitigation proposed for the loss of playing field land and the school would be further deficient in playing field land following the disposal.
Hackney Council	August 2021	Shoreditch Park Primary School	Application to appropriate 1155m² of the playing field for housing purposes and subsequently to dispose of the housing units by way of lease. The application was refused on the basis that that the disruption and risks of building the blocks of apartments, and their presence once they have been built, to the school would outweigh the likely benefits. It was not considered the circumstances were exceptional enough to outweigh the policy presumption against the loss of playing field land.
Berwick Academy	July 2013	Berwick Academy	Application rejected
Warwickshire County Council	October 2012	Michael Drayton Middle School	Application rejected
Cheshire East Council	September 2010	Vernon Primary School	Application rejected

Applications approved after panel recommended refusal

There have been 15 occasions where the panel has not recommended approval for disposal but the government has approved them.

Applicant	Date of decision	School/Academy	Reason for decision
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council	May 2023	Flowery Field Primary School (closed infant school site)	Application by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council for the appropriation of the former infant school site following amalgamation with the junior school in 2015. The disposal area had not been part of the newly amalgamated school site and the land is to be appropriated and used a site for a children’s home.
Tenterden Schools Trust	May 2023	Homewood School and 6th Form Centre	Application by Tenterden Schools Trust for the disposal of school’s detached playing field site, for housing. A small area surrounding the cadet hut will be retained by the trust and leased to the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. The capital receipt will be used to provide a new all-weather pitch and replace a grass pitch which currently suffers from drainage problems and improvements will be made to the 6th form facilities.
Norfolk County Council	May 2023	Hethersett Infant and Nursery School (closed site)	Application by Norfolk County Council for the disposal of a closed school site including playing field land, for housing, following its relocation to a new site. The council is to invest not less than 68% of the final price received in capital improvements to the sports and outdoor recreational space as agreed by DfE at the new school site or at a local school.
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham	November 2019	Ark Swift Academy	Disposal of part of the academy’s playing field as part of a local area regeneration project with better quality playing field provision on site, as part of the school rebuild and use of off-site playing field space. Additional indoor facilities are secured for all-year-round sport and recreation under a shared use agreement with an adjacent Youth Zone which, if this academy does not require, will be available to other local schools.
London Borough of Haringey		Moselle Special School (closed site)	Appropriation of the former site of a closed school by London Borough of Haringey. The successor school, The Brook School, re-opened in new buildings on an adjacent site. The council will use the site for emergency housing to reduce reliance on expensive temporary bed and breakfast accommodation.
Somerset Council		North Petherton Primary School	The disposal of an area of school playing field land, for the expansion of an existing on-site pre-school, to meet demand in the area. The rental income will help fund improvements to the external areas at Kingfisher Primary School in Yeovil.
The John Wallis Church of England Academy	November 2017	The John Wallis Academy	The disposal of part of the playing field at this academy will fund the new primary building block and improved playing field provision on its remaining site. The academy will meet the outdoor space requirements against Building Bulletin 103 guidelines.
Southend-on-Sea Council	March 2017	Seabrook College	Disposal of playing field land at the former Seabrook College site with reinvestment in provision at a new site. No other schools needed the site.
London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea	July 2015	Marlborough Primary School	The local authority wants to dispose of part of the school’s land, including some of its playground, in order to provide a commercial building and for a public path as part of the local planning authority requirement for the extended school. The school will be fully reconfigured on its remaining site and, with clever design features; pupils will benefit more playing areas (around 69%) than they had on the original site. The government approved the application.
Warwickshire County Council	July 2015	Griff Special School	This land will be leased to a charity providing housing to senior citizens. We have agreed to this on the specific condition that council invests an amount equal to the value of the land in education or sport. The school itself has been closed for 8 years and the playing field land has not been used by a local school or the wider community in this time. Sport England did not object to the council’s planning application and at consultation, there were no objections to the loss of the unused playing field. The panel did not object to the actual loss of this unused playing field, but highlighted specifically that the proceeds of sale would be lost to sport or educational investment as this land will be ‘peppercorn’ leased to a housing association. Acting on the panel’s advice we made this disposal conditional on the council investing an amount equal to the value of the school land, from funds not ring-fenced for education.
London Borough of Camden	July 2012	Netley Primary School	The local authority wants to sell a small part of the school’s land. It wants to redevelop a unit for vulnerable children which neighbours the school and improve the primary school’s facilities. The government approved the application. Delay could have affected the whole regeneration project with unhappy consequences for the children concerned.
North Yorkshire County Council	April 2012	Ingleton Middle School	When the school was closed the site wasn’t needed. The government approved the application. Proceeds from the sale were used to improve the changing rooms at Settle College.
Wandsworth	August 2012	Elliott School	The school wants to enhance its academic and sporting provision. Its sporting facilities are dilapidated and out of date. The government approved the application. The sale will fund a new Multi-Use Games Area to host competitive sports fixtures such as football matches, which they cannot currently do. They will also replace their old gym with a state-of-the-art indoor facility with 4 sports courts.
Nottinghamshire County Council	October 2011	Clarborough Primary School	This was originally a school based on 2 sites. A rebuild of the school meant one site became surplus. The government approved the sale of the surplus site and the money was earmarked for sports facilities at other local schools.
Staffordshire County Council	February 2011	Woodhouse Middle School	The school wanted to sell surplus untended grassland that had not been used for sport for 5 years. The government approved the application and the money was dedicated to supporting a new library and improved changing facilities.