A planned new independent school for 200 pupils has the aim of "regenerating a neighbourhood".

A planning application for the Islamic faith school has been submitted this week for land previously used as a car park at Dinsdale Drive in Deane.

The application has been lodged by the Hadhrat Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya Foundation, founded in 2021.

They are a charity who claim to be "committed to addressing educational gaps in Bolton by establishing a mainstream faith-based educational facility for up to 200 pupils between the ages of 11-18".

The charity said the school, which would have 14 classrooms, would also be capable of supporting people with special educational needs (SEN).

The foundation’s website states their aims.

 

Plans for the school have been put forward

Plans for the school have been put forward

 

It said: “We have the noble aim of making a positive impact on the underprivileged children in the Rumworth ward of Bolton.

"The foundation is committed to building an outstanding educational and community centre devoted to providing a secure and nurturing learning environment for the children in the area, particularly those with special educational needs.

“It is our core belief that every child deserves access to quality education and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances.

"As such, this foundation will work tirelessly towards the betterment of the children in the area, providing them with facilities that will meet their educational, social, and emotional needs.”

The school would be built from modular classrooms which have previously been used at Kings Leadership Academy.

Although modular, they have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years.

The plans also include a MUGA sports pitch, car parking and drop-off area.

The foundation said the plans would see broader benefits for the area.

They said: “The foundation aims to transform the site in to a vibrant educational and community hub that will act as a catalyst for the broader regeneration of the neighbourhood, improving security, the aesthetics of the area and reducing anti-social behaviour and crime.

“Our ambition is to establish an independent school on the site with out of hours facilities for children with physical disabilities and special educational needs. Also providing local residents with access to local services.

“Overall, the foundation plans on transforming a once desolate site into a thriving hub of education and community engagement, creating a better future for all residents.

"The educational facility will be spread across two state-of-the-art modular buildings.”

Council planners will decide on the proposals in the coming weeks.