Plans for a controversial 1,000-place free school on woodland in Reedswood have been published by Walsall Council, with BAM Construction appointed to deliver the project. The Department for Education (DfE) proposes a £50 million, three-storey school called Windsor Apollo Academy, catering for nearly 1,000 students and 130 teaching staff.
School Details and Trust
The school will be part of the Windsor Academy Trust, which already operates the proposed feeder schools: Goldsmith Primary Academy and Rivers Primary Academy in Walsall. According to planning documents, the trust develops 'high-performing schools that raise aspirations, inspire learning, build character and cultural capital'. The DfE hopes to part-open the school in a temporary building for year sevens only in September 2027, with the remainder opening in September 2028.
Controversy and Opposition
The project has faced fierce objections from locals, councillors, and Labour MP Valerie Vaz over the loss of 13.7 acres of open green space and traffic concerns. The DfE is pressing ahead despite objections. Prior to the May elections, Reform opposed building the school at Reedswood Park, stating it would be 'cheaper and more environmentally friendly' to restore the nearby vacant Sneyd Comprehensive. The party said the 'transaction makes no sense on the face of it and all paperwork needs thorough examination'.
Residents have repeatedly cited the loss of natural woodland habitat and the proposed access route via Reedswood Lane, which locals say is often congested and reduced to a single track due to on-street parking. The issue was raised during the consultation period. In response, the DfE has proposed a single yellow line parking restriction and limiting traffic to permit holders only during school pick-up and drop-off times on Reedswood Lane, as well as a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Old Birchills onto Bentley Lane. The travel plan encourages staff and students to take up 'active travel' options.
Site History and Classification
The previous Conservative council argued the site is brownfield as it has been previously developed. It has also been allocated for 94 homes in the draft Walsall Borough Local Plan. Reedswood Power Station operated there from the early 1950s until decommissioning and demolition. In 1987, a nine-hole golf course was created until its closure in 2007. Locals say the woodland is now home to many birds and small mammals and provides recreational space in a densely populated area. However, consultants appointed by the DfE described the open space as 'poor quality' and said the proposed benefits outweigh the 'limited harm'.
There is debate over whether the land falls within Reedswood Park's boundary. The application states an 'inconsistent approach' in site strategy documents by Walsall Council. Both the council and DfE say the site does not fall within the park's boundary, but a visitor board at the park's entrance clearly marks the woodland area within the park's boundary. The DfE considers the pre-application engagement 'timely, meaningful and effective'. Vice chair of Birchills Agenda 21, Shokt Fazal, described the scheme as 'cloak and dagger'.
Next Steps and Timeline
The newly elected Reform council will decide whether to approve or refuse the planning application. If refused, the decision could be appealed and lie with the Labour-controlled planning inspectorate. The proposed timescale could see the application determined in September 2026, with construction starting soon after. The three-storey school will include a secondary school and sixth form, 117 parking spaces, and sports pitches. The DfE is funding the project through its capital programme, representing 'a significant investment in the local area'. The previous Conservative administration approved the scheme, noting their hands were tied as DfE funding was only available for the Reedswood site. In February 2026, the then-Conservative cabinet approved a £1 million spend to commence work and a 125-year lease to the DfE.
