(UK) Brent: $1.4M to expand special school "amid rising demand"
Updated: Sep 25
Dozens of new specialist school places are set to be created for children with special educational needs in Brent.
Brent Council has approved a £1 million investment to expand Phoenix Arch Special School in Wembley and develop a new satellite site, Phoenix Arch Strathcona, creating around 50 additional specialist school places and providing specialist education for primary-aged children with autism, including some children with learning disabilities.
Councillor Jake Rubin, cabinet member for children’s services, employment, and climate action, said: "Every child deserves a good education that meets their needs close to home.
"These new places will mean more children with autism can go to school in Brent, stay part of their local community and avoid long daily journeys.
"Phoenix Arch has skilled and experienced staff, and this expansion will help more families get the right support locally."
The new provision is expected to open in September 2027, subject to building works and final approvals.
The council says the expansion will reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements and help families avoid long daily commutes.
This comes amid rising demand for specialist education.
An estimated 4,420 children and young people in Brent had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in July 2026, marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous year.
Of those, 58 per cent had communication and interaction needs, including autism.
The project will be funded through a Department for Education High Needs Capital grant and is expected to deliver around £1.05 million in annual cost avoidance once fully operational. . . .
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