Changes made to West Bromwich school’s planned expansion after drop in projected numbers

Sandwell Council approved plans to build a new two-storey extension at Phoenix Collegiate in West Bromwich to make way for eight new classrooms in 2023.

The school has now asked for permission to amend the plans to replace the two-storey with a single storey building with one classroom for around 30 students.

The school expansion still includes a gym and changing rooms.

Sandwell Council approved plans to build a 3G football pitch at the school last month.

The application for the smaller modular classroom said: “The projected numbers of pupils at the school have decreased and there is no longer the requirement for a two-storey building, therefore the proposal has been amended to a single-storey building on the same footprint.”

The Phoenix Collegiate was formed in 2010 following the merger of Menzies High School on the Clarkes Lane site and Manor High in Friar Park, Wednesbury.

The school site was significantly altered in 2016 with the demolition of several older buildings from the 1950s and 1960s and the construction of a large modern teaching facility and new sports court.

The original sports hall and the three-storey teaching block were kept.

The plans approved in 2023 included a two-storey modular building with eight classrooms – for up to 240 pupils – as well as offices, teacher facilities, a gym, changing rooms and

A statement included with the previous application said: “The site has been used as a school since the 1950s. The current capacity of the school is approximately 2,000 students.

“The addition of the new teaching block will not increase the numbers of students or staff. “The new block will be used during school hours by the school staff and students.

“Outside school hours and at weekends the facility would be open to the community for community activities and events.”