It’s thanks to joint working between Lincolnshire County Council and the University of Lincoln Academy Trust.
An additional 150 secondary school places are being created at the University Academy Holbeach (UAH), after a lease was agreed on Minerva House. A remodelling project will now take place to provide the additional accommodation needed for 30 more pupils per year group able to attend the school, phased in from September 2027.
Cllr Rob Gibson, executive councillor for corporate property at Lincolnshire County Council, said “This is a win-win situation with more young people benefiting from the excellent facilities at UAH and cost savings for the council. This is a key part of our new property strategy- re-development and re-use of properties we own but don’t need, in order to drive forward local growth and community benefits, while also being value for money for taxpayers.”
Cllr Thomas Sneath, Stuart Anderson and Cllr Rob Gibson
The council has a duty to provide sufficient school places in Lincolnshire. Minerva House is owned by the council and has been vacant since April 2024. A below-market rate lease has been agreed to benefit both the council and the Trust.
To meet increased demand, UAH will develop Minerva House for additional teaching space, increasing their capacity from 240 to 270 pupils for the September 2027 intake. There’s also surplus space to meet any future demand requirements, should additional spaces be needed in the future.
Stuart Anderson, CEO for University of Lincoln Academy Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be able to expand into Minerva House and create more high‑quality learning space for young people in Holbeach. This additional specialist accommodation will allow us to meet growing demand while continuing to offer the broad, ambitious curriculum and strong pastoral support that our families expect. We’re proud to work in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council to ensure local children have access to excellent education close to home that will truly deliver.”
Local county councillor, Cllr Thomas Sneath, said: "150 new secondary school places coming to Holbeach is welcome news.This isn’t a building the council needs any more so will be re-purposed to give more classroom space for the Trust. Cost saving for us and great for local families!"