A proposal to build a new secondary school is being put to the Department of Education by the academy trust behind Falcons Primary School. An application is being made under the government’s Free Schools programme.
If successful, the new Falcons Academy which opened just under four years ago would become Leicester’s first Sikh faith secondary school.
Jasbir Mann, headteacher of Falcons Primary School said the idea is being endorsed and supported by parents, members of Akaal Education Trust, local Gurdwaras, councillors and MPs.
She said: “Parents have been incredibly supportive of our school and are now keen to see a Sikh faith secondary school in Leicester.
“When we opened in October, 2014, we had just 34 children but now have more than 340 pupils and a full capacity of 420 pupils from across Leicester and Leicestershire.
“Setting up a secondary Sikh faith school has always been our aspiration but we wanted to establish ourselves first and build on the success of our primary school.”
Chair of Governors, Gurinder Singh Josan said: “Governors considered a number of options, including partnering with other schools or trusts but decided unanimously to apply to open our own secondary school following in the steps of our successful primary school.
He added: “The time is now right to build on the success of Falcons Primary with a Sikh faith 11-16 Academy in Leicester.
According to the 2011 census there are almost 15,000 Sikhs living in Leicester and a further 8,000 across the county.
Mrs Mann said: “Our secondary school would continues the strong tradition of faith schools in Leicester and will be the first Sikh faith secondary school alongside existing Christian, Muslim and Hindu faith secondary schools.
“Falcons Primary attracts families of other faiths and no faith due to its inclusive values of unity, equality and respect.
“We wish to replicate this in Falcons Academy and will welcome children of other faiths and no faith, with a particular focus on supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz supports the idea of a new Sikh secondary school for Leicester.
He said: “In my numerous visits to Falcons Primary School, it has become very clear that there is a strong demand from families for a Sikh faith secondary school.
“One of the many assets of Falcons Primary School is that it attracts families of other faiths and this inclusivity is important for the multi-faith community of Leicester.”
Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Piara Singh Clair, is also backing the project.
He said: “The primary school has been a huge success and I’m sure the secondary school will be the same.
“Leicester is such a diverse city and I support the aspirations of the Sikh community to have a faith school for 11 to 16-year-olds, which will be one that also welcomes and embraces children from other faiths.
“I will do all I can to help them achieve this.”
