Key Points
- A new secondary school, Livingstone Academy West London, will not be built as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of the former Stag Brewery site in Mortlake, South West London.
- The Department for Education (DfE) has scrapped plans for this school, one of 12 mainstream free schools cancelled out of 44 originally in the pipeline.
- The DfE prioritised delivering more school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) over mainstream free schools.
- In December, the DfE announced it was minded to cancel 28 mainstream free schools, with trusts and councils able to appeal; it has now confirmed 12 cancellations, including Livingstone Academy, while reviewing 13 more.
- A total of 19 projects continue in the pre-opening stage.
- Richmond Council appealed the decision, warning it would increase pressure on already overstretched secondary school places in the east of the borough.
- The development includes a huge 1,075-home scheme on the site.
Richmond upon (South London News) April 9, 2026
- Key Points
- Why Was the New Secondary School on the Stag Brewery Site Cancelled?
- Which Schools Were Affected by the DfE’s Decision?
- What Did Richmond Council Say About the Decision?
- How Does This Fit into the Larger Stag Brewery Regeneration?
- What Is the DfE’s Stated Priority in School Funding?
- Background of the Development
- Predictions: How This Affects Local Families and Residents
Why Was the New Secondary School on the Stag Brewery Site Cancelled?
A secondary school will not be built as part of the £1.3 billion regeneration of the old brewery in South West London.
As reported by Poppy Wood of myLondon, the DfE has scrapped plans to build Livingstone Academy West London on the former Stag Brewery site in Mortlake, despite protests from Richmond Council.
The decision forms part of a broader review by the DfE. In December, the department announced it was minded to cancel 28 of the 44 mainstream free schools in the pipeline. Trusts and councils had the opportunity to appeal this initial stance.
Which Schools Were Affected by the DfE’s Decision?
The DfE has now confirmed that 12 of these schools will not proceed, including Livingstone Academy West London. It is still considering the cancellation of 13 more projects, while 19 projects remain in the pre-opening stage.
Livingstone Academy is one of 12 proposed mainstream free schools scrapped by the Government.
The Government confirmed this prioritisation of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
As detailed in the myLondon article by Poppy Wood, the axing affects the huge 1,075-home scheme on the site.
What Did Richmond Council Say About the Decision?
Richmond Council protested the move. The council appealed the DfE’s decision to scrap Livingstone Academy, warning that it would put pressure on already overstretched secondary school places in the east of the borough.
The appeal highlighted concerns over local capacity. Despite this, the DfE proceeded with the cancellation.
How Does This Fit into the Larger Stag Brewery Regeneration?
The former Stag Brewery site in Mortlake is undergoing a major £1.3 billion regeneration. Plans include 1,075 homes, but the secondary school component has been removed.
As reported by Poppy Wood of myLondon, this comes amid controversial South London plans for the site.
Richmond Council had raised the issue of school places in relation to the development’s scale.
What Is the DfE’s Stated Priority in School Funding?
The DfE’s action prioritises delivering more places for children with SEND. This shift led to the review of mainstream free schools.
The December announcement allowed for appeals, which Richmond Council pursued for Livingstone Academy.
Background of the Development
The Stag Brewery site in Mortlake has been earmarked for regeneration since plans emerged for a large-scale residential and community project.
The £1.3 billion scheme, covering 1,075 homes, aimed to transform the disused brewery into a mixed-use area. Livingstone Academy West London was proposed as a key educational element to serve the growing population.
Richmond Council’s involvement dates back to consultations on the project’s impact. The council identified a need for additional secondary school capacity in the east of the borough, citing existing pressures. The DfE’s free schools programme initially greenlit the academy as one of several nationwide initiatives.
The site’s history as a brewery adds context to its redevelopment potential. Previous coverage by myLondon, including articles by Poppy Wood, noted controversies around density and infrastructure.
Predictions: How This Affects Local Families and Residents
This development can affect families in Richmond upon Thames by limiting new secondary school places amid existing shortages. Parents in the east of the borough may face increased competition for spots at current schools.
The 1,075-home scheme proceeds without the academy, potentially straining local education resources as the population grows.
Residents relying on council services could see heightened demand for secondary education. The DfE’s focus on SEND provision redirects funding, which may benefit some children but leave mainstream needs unmet locally. Appeals processes for other projects could influence future capacity.
