EDUCATION &
SCHOOL SITE DISPOSALS
We specialise in structuring and delivering school land and estate disposals — unlocking capital, ensuring compliance, and protecting reputation.
At Prime Plots, we specialise in structuring and delivering school land and estate disposals, from small surplus parcels to full school closures.
We unlock value while ensuring compliance with the Charities Act, Section 77, and Department for Education requirements. Whether you are a trust, board of governors, or independent institution, we provide discreet, director-led advice that delivers results.
We don’t just market land. We manage outcomes — balancing sensitivity with commercial focus, and bringing clarity and structure to every transaction.
Surplus Land & Playing Field Disposals
Surplus land can provide a valuable source of capital without disrupting the core operation of a school. Whether it is a caretaker’s house, a redundant strip of land, or a playing field no longer required, a well-structured disposal can unlock funds for reinvestment while minimising risk to the educational mission.
These disposals must be handled with precision. Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act protects playing fields, requiring consultation and replacement provision in many cases. Where a school operates as a charity, disposals must also comply with the Charities Act, ensuring best consideration is achieved through a transparent and defensible process.
At Prime Plots, we manage every stage — from feasibility and planning review to market positioning and negotiation. We bring forward credible bids from developers, education operators and community groups, balancing value with certainty of delivery.
Proven Benefits of School Land Disposals
Well-structured disposals can deliver real and lasting benefits for schools and trusts. By identifying surplus land or underused parts of an estate, it is possible to unlock substantial capital receipts that can be reinvested into educational provision.
In previous projects, disposals have generated the funds needed for new facilities, supported wider estate rationalisation, and enabled the delivery of much-needed homes. Importantly, these transactions have been achieved without compromising educational operations and while maintaining the confidence of governors, trustees and local communities.
Handled correctly, a disposal can transform a liability into an opportunity — reducing long-term maintenance burdens, securing financial resilience, and supporting the continued delivery of education in modern, fit-for-purpose environments.
Full School & Campus Disposals
The sale of an entire school site is a highly complex undertaking, often arising from closure, merger, or restructuring. These disposals carry not only financial implications but also profound reputational consequences, making the role of professional advisors critical.
Our work begins with thorough due diligence. We review title documents, covenants, planning status, and any restrictions that may affect disposal or redevelopment. We then design a marketing strategy that positions the site to attract the widest pool of serious bidders — from academy trusts and specialist SEN providers through to faith organisations, institutional investors, and residential developers.
Governors and trustees have clear statutory duties in these circumstances. For charitable schools, the Charities Act requires disposals to be conducted transparently, supported by professional valuation, and demonstrably in the charity’s best interests. Where playing fields form part of the site, Section 77 consent will again be required. For some schools, Department for Education oversight or reporting may also apply, depending on their structure and funding. These obligations sit alongside the commercial process, and at Prime Plots we manage them in parallel, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Our structured bid processes provide governors with clear, comparable offers, supported by analysis of value, deliverability, timing, and planning risk. By running a transparent and well-documented process, we enable boards to discharge their responsibilities with confidence while maximising the capital receipt.
Why Prime Plots
Every disposal we undertake is led directly by a director, ensuring experienced, senior involvement from initial briefing to completion. We combine expertise in land and development with a detailed understanding of the governance and compliance frameworks that schools must operate within.
Our role is not simply to secure bids, but to shape outcomes. We provide clarity to governors, structure to the process, and confidence that all statutory obligations have been met. Most importantly, we deliver results — unlocking value, protecting reputation, and guiding schools and trusts through one of the most sensitive decisions they will ever face.
Let's Talk
Considering a school site disposal — or surplus land you’d like to release?
We’d be pleased to have a confidential conversation.
With director-led involvement, we’ll help you navigate compliance, manage sensitivities, and deliver best value with professionalism and discretion.
Contact Kane Lennon, Managing Director
📞 01462 877777 | ✉️ klennon@primeplots.co.uk
