Pupils at a long-awaited new high school face a second year in temporary buildings as a permanent structure is facing delays.

Earlier this month Bury Council’s cabinet heard that the uncertainty was causing ‘concern and anxiety’ for parents at Star Radcliffe Academy and those planning to send their children there in the future.

In September, Star Academy welcomed its first cohort of 150 Year 7 pupils. Parents were previously told the permanent school building to be completed by next summer meaning both existing pupils and a second cohort would be taught in the new school from September 2025.

It has now emerged that construction work on the new building has yet to start. Construction of the permanent school should have started this month but the MP for Bury South, Christian Wakeford, who says the school is his ‘highest priority’ said delays experienced under the previous government had set the project back.

He added that he had spoken to the current government minister responsible and the building should be ready for pupils to move in during the 2025/26 academic year. To enable the school to open, pupils are currently using fully equipped temporary accommodation on the school site until a permanent building is built.

The 750-place secondary school for 11-16 year olds will admit a new Year 7 intake each year for the next five years, reaching full capacity in all year groups in September 2028. The additional delay means a second cohort of pupils starting next year will be taught in temporary accommodation with the new building not expected to be ready until Spring 2026 at the earliest.

Conservative deputy leader, Coun Jo Lancaster spoke at the cabinet meeting.

She said : “It came as a shock to me when I recently visited the school that not one brick has been put in the ground yet.

“It’s causing a lot of concern and anxiety for the people of Radcliffe and parents whose children are at the school already.”

Cabinet member for children and young people, Coun Lucy Smith responded to the concerns. She said: “The new school is something we all really care about. “I can confirm the Department of Education (DfE) got in touch with the council and school to say there was a delay in signing off the contract for the permanent building because of inflationary pressures. “This has impacted on the delivery programme.

“DfE have confirmed they have engaged with the design team for additional temporary accommodation for the second year group with a planning

application due for this in November.”

A statement was read out from Star Academy: “The school will remain in its existing temporary accommodation in year two.

“This accommodation will be enhanced to accept a second year group from September 2025 for year 7s and year 8s.

“We expect to move into the permanent building during the school year 2025/26 and the move is likely to take place during spring or summer term.”

A parent whose son attends the school said he was unconcerned at the delays to the permanent building. Scott Webber, said: “My lad is thriving at the school. It’s better than our expectations.

“The building maybe temporary at the moment but they are fully equipped and the kids have everything they need to get a great education. “I don’t have any complaints and other parents who I speak to are the same.” Christian Wakeford MP, said: “On Friday I visited the school and spoke to pupils and staff.

“From the feedback I’ve had parents and staff are delighted with the school, it’s temporary facilities and curriculum. “They are very much looking forward to the construction of the permanent building.

“The school has been my highest priority since securing the funding from the previous government and making the case for the school alongside the local authority. “Star Multi Academy Trust have spoken to the Department for Education, as I have spoke to the minister responsible, Stephen Morgan MP regarding the delays.

“Construction should have started this month, however due to the delays experienced under the previous government, the minister has advised me that the construction contract is now being finalised with completion now expected within the 2025/26 academic year.”