Replacement plan for ‘not fit for purpose’ school

A Department for Education-backed proposal would see Fortis Academy in Birmingham almost completely demolished, according to an application deposited with the city council.

The school currently serves around 1,300 secondary school pupils in the Great Barr area of north Birmingham – but authorities say the school’s existing accommodation is in “poor condition” and is “no longer fit for modern teaching requirements”.

Proposals put forward by the DfE would see the existing school and leisure centre knocked down, with two replacement teaching blocks joined by a sky bridge, a dining hall, and sports facilities built in its place.

The proposed redevelopment of the school site would include a dedicated sports block fronting onto Aldridge Road, include a replacement sports hall, intended to replace a former leisure centre which had been converted for school use in 2017.

Bowmer and Kirkland have already been appointed as main contractor on the scheme.

However the school’s existing sixth form building would remain under the proposals, which are being carried out under the government-backed “School Rebuilding Programme”.

The programme is intended to carry out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth-form colleges across England, with buildings prioritised according to their condition.

Fortis Academy was awarded central Government funding due to the fact that the existing buildings are “life-expired and no longer fit for modern day teaching”, according to a planning statement put forward with the application.

“The new accommodation is necessary to replace facilities identified by the Department for Education as being in poor condition and no longer fit for modern teaching requirements,” said the statement.

“The proposals will deliver modern, well-designed, energy-efficient buildings that will significantly enhance the learning environment for pupils and staff and improve the school’s relationship with the wider community.”

Planning consultancy for the project was provided by DPP Planning.

Plans and documents relating to the application can be found on Birmingham City Council’s planning portal under reference: 2026/00734/PA