Why was Dallington Park School in Northampton cancelled?

The Department for Education cancelled the plans for Dallington Park School following a national review, shifting focus to creating more places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

How many school places would Dallington Park School have created?

Dallington Park School was planned to create up to 900 school places, with an initial 180 places in 2027, eventually growing to the full capacity.

What is the government prioritizing instead of some mainstream schools?

The government is prioritizing putting more money into creating more places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Home / Education / School Plan Scrapped: 900 Places Lost

School Plan Scrapped: 900 Places Lost

6 Feb

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Summary

Dallington Park School, planned for 900 places, has been cancelled.
The Department for Education cited a national review for the decision.
Government prioritizes SEND places over some mainstream schools.

The Department for Education has officially cancelled plans for Dallington Park School in Northampton. This secondary school was projected to create up to 900 places, crucial for accommodating the growing demand from new housing developments in the area, including the significant Dallington Grange development. The school had already begun preparations, including taking registrations of interest from parents for its planned opening in 2027.

According to West Northamptonshire Council, the Department for Education informed them in December 2025 that the project would not go ahead following a national review. The project was estimated to cost £30 million, and no alternative funding has been provided to replace it. This decision reflects a broader government shift in educational funding priorities.

Instead of building some planned mainstream schools, the government is now allocating more resources to increasing places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Despite this cancellation, the council reaffirms its dedication to ensuring an adequate supply of quality school places, acknowledging that future housing expansions will continue to raise demand in urban areas like Northampton and Daventry, even with a projected surplus in rural areas.