New images have given a first look at a proposed permanent home for Liverpool’s newest secondary school. King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree confirmed last year it would finally welcome an initial cohort of 210 Year 7 students from September 2025 after being beset by delays.
In a bid to meet the demand for school places across the city, it had been proposed that the school open in 2024. With planning permission only being granted for the change of use from office buildings in spring last year, the opening date was pushed back.
Liverpool Council’s planning committee rubber-stamped the opening of a series of temporary buildings to house around 200 pupils at the site on Wavertree Technology Park. Now, new CGIs have shown how the reimagination of the former PlayStation offices on Rathbone Way could look ahead of a formal planning application.
School Details and Timeline
King’s Wavertree is the fifth secondary school in the Great Schools Trust. The trust has two secondary schools in Merseyside, King’s Liverpool in Dingle and King’s Hawthornes in Bootle, alongside two primary schools, including King’s Northway in Wavertree and King’s Lander in Litherland.
Subject to planning approval, demolition of the existing buildings at the site is due to commence later this year, with the permanent new build planned to commence early in 2027. The new permanent building is planned to be ready for occupation in September 2028, with overall project completion, including the external areas and playing field due in summer 2029.
Kier Construction has been selected by the Department for Education to design and build the new school. The proposed development site currently houses two office blocks, one of which was occupied by Sony and another by NatWest until earlier this year.
Planning and Capacity
A change of use of the buildings from offices to a school has been agreed through two planning approvals, which have established the principle of the site housing a school for 1,050 pupils. Further space is due to be added during the summer term to allow the school to house both Year 7 and Year 8 pupils from September.
When fully operational in September 2029, the school will accommodate 1,050 pupils aged from 11 to 16 and 125 full-time equivalent staff. The proposed development includes the erection of a new three-storey, C-shaped school building which accommodates teaching spaces, a sports hall, an activity studio, an assembly hall, a drama studio and a dining hall.
Quotes from School Leaders
Shane Ierston, Great Schools Trust chief executive, said: “King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree was founded on a simple belief: that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to an exceptional education. These proposals represent a major step forward in delivering that vision for the young people and families of Liverpool.
“The proposed new building will provide outstanding facilities that match our ambition for students and create a learning environment where they can flourish academically, develop strong character and go on to lead successful lives.” Benjamin Barker, principal of King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree, added: “This is an important milestone for our school and our community.
“Since opening our doors, we have been determined to build a school that combines the highest academic standards with a culture of character, leadership and service. Our permanent home will provide an inspiring environment where young people can thrive and where families can have confidence that this school will serve the Wavertree community for generations to come.
“We are incredibly excited about what this investment will mean for our current students and for all those who will join us in the years ahead.”
Public Engagement
At this pre-application stage, the development proposals can be viewed on the school’s website. A drop-in event is to take place at King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree in the current temporary school building on Stephenson Way for anyone who wants to find out more or who would like to ask any questions about the proposals. The session will run from 4.30pm to 7pm on Thursday.
