Dramatic drone shots show school construction progress

The schools, which are being built by award-winning construction firm Hobson and Porter, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT) when they open in September 2025.

The admissions process for children starting in reception next year is now open, and parents can now apply for places for their children at Scartho Gateway Academy and Waltham Gateway Academy.

An open evening for prospective parents of the two new schools was held at Waltham Toll Bar Academy.

That followed similar events in both villages that showcased the Trust’s plans.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“It’s fantastic to see, through these tremendous photos, the great progress that is being made on these two new schools.

“The new schools are sorely needed as pupil numbers grow in the coming years, and they’re strategically placed at the heart of communities to really offer parents in those areas a new option for their children, within walking distance of their homes.”

Chief Executive Officer at Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, Martin Brown, said: “We’re delighted to see construction coming along at pace.

“We know from our previous open events there is a lot of interest in both academies and we are looking forward to receiving applications.”

Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “Since starting work on both these projects in September, we’ve made great progress thanks to our established local supply chain and our experience working on education projects. These latest images show the scale and size of the two schools as we head towards them both topping out, with their roofs due to complete, very soon.”

Stephanie Ledgerwood, from Equans, whose Architectural Team designed both schools and will act as contract administrator throughout the construction, added:

“It is exciting to see the designs start to come to life now the work has begun on site. It is an exciting step forward for the project.”

The drone shots, taken by local professional photographer, Jon Corken, on behalf of LGAT and North East Lincolnshire Council, have been shared on the Council’s website.

Since construction started, Jon has documented the progress of the build, from the clearing of the land through to the steel structure being lifted into place.

Both schools will have 210-pupil places, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The project is being delivered by Equans, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council.

Residents in the surrounding area have been kept up to date on the progress of the works.

The two academies will open in September 2025, and admission details can be found at www.nelincs.gov.uk/apply-for-a-school-place.

Residents with any queries about the construction of the two new schools are encouraged to email Schoolbuildinbox@nelincs.gov.uk.

The primary schools are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions.

The projects, based on Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received planning approval at the start of the year.

Applications for reception-age children can be made www.nelincs.gov.uk/apply-for-a-school-place.