New primary school for Goosnargh and Grimsargh – former Whittingham Hospital

The presumptions process for a new school on the former Whittingham Hospital site is now open.

Lancashire County Council is inviting academy trusts and DfE approved sponsors to apply to become the sponsor of the new 2 form entry primary school.

The application process is open from 9am 20 October 2025, and the deadline for submission of applications is 12pm (midday) 10 December 2025.

Applications should be submitted both via email and hard copy.

Email: schoolplanning@lancashire.gov.uk 

Hard copy:

Paula Durrant
School Place Planning Manager
Room CH1:57
County Hall
Preston
PR1 0RD

Application documents

• School Specification Whittingham New School Proposal In Goosnargh PDF 578 KB
• Application Form Whittingham New School Proposal In Goosnargh DOCX 247 KB
• Impact And Equalities Assessment Whittingham New School Proposal In Goosnargh PDF 364 KB

Background

Lancashire County Council has a statutory duty to ensure that there is a Lancashire place for every child that requires one. As part of this approach provision of a new school is proposed for September 2026, with a phased delivery.

The new school will provide up to 420 places to accommodate rising pupil numbers as a result of significant housing development in the area. The school will open with two reception classes in September 2026 and thereafter will be phased in line with projected forecasts from 2027.

View the Whittingham Hospital site plan document (PDF 138KB) for details.

Useful documents

Lancashire County Council Cabinet report 6 October 2022 - School Place Planning Delivery Programme 2023-25

Lancashire County Council Cabinet Report 3 October 2024 - School Place Planning Delivery Programme 2024-27

School Place Provision Strategy PDF 774 KB