Introduction

​Great Western Academy (GWA) is a popular 11-18 co-educational academy with a very high proportion of first choice places from Swindon admissions. The academy is fully staffed and occupies a spacious site on the edge of Swindon. Opened in September 2018.

 

The Proposal

Following consultation with Swindon Borough Council, we have been asked to increase the PAN of Great Western Academy from 150 to 180 from September 2027

 

Rationale

Swindon Borough Council are looking to improve the availability of Secondary School places in north Swindon.

 

Financing and Resourcing

In order to increase our annual Year 7 cohort from 150 to 180, as requested by Swindon Borough Council, we are being allocated Section 106 funds to construct a new building onsite to facilitate the additional students. The funds will be used to build a new 6th form centre. The new Sixth Form Centre will create more space within the current building to accommodate our increased PAN, subject to agreement from the Department for Education.

 

Consultation

The proposed changes require a period of consultation of at least 3 weeks with stakeholders. This will take place from 5th June 2026 to 26th June 2026(consultation will close at 13.00).

During this period Great Western Academy will share its proposals with other local schools and academies, parents, local residents and Local Authorities.  

 

Have your say

Great Western Academy would like to know what people think about the proposal and invite response by

 

1. Clicking on this link which will take you to a survey where you can add your comments
   
   Consultation Form - Electronic Form
    

2. Completing the consultation response form  and returning it by email to Consultation@gwacademy.co.uk stating ‘Increase in PAN Response’ in the title by 13.00 on 26th June 2026
    

3. Printing the consultation response form, completing it and posting it back to the address below:

 

           Consultation

           Great Western Academy

           William Morris Way

           Swindon

            SN25 2PP

 

Please note, all responses must be received by 13.00 on 26th June 2026. 

 

What happens next?

At the end of the consultation period, we will review all the responses received and share these with the Department of Education as part of the business case for making a significant change to the academy.