(UK) Gillingham: School for 160 with ASD/SEMH needs to open in 2028; "complex needs"

Sept 3, 2026, Kent Online: New Inspire Academy special educational needs school begins construction on Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham

Construction of a new, purpose-built special educational needs (SEN) school is underway, with works to be completed in 2028.

Inspire Academy, part of the Rivermead Inclusive Trust, submitted plans for the new facility in February 2024 and received approval in July that year.

Works have now begun at the site on Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, to create the 160-place school which will cater to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

There will be 90 places for children with SEMH and 70 for pupils with ASD, providing secondary and sixth form education. . . .

The new school will increase the number SEN places in the Towns, as well as helping to enhance and broaden the curriculum. . . .

"This purpose-built provision will be specifically designed to meet the needs of learners with special educational needs, including pupils with autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional and mental health needs.

 “We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this project will create for our pupils, families and staff, and the positive impact it will have for many years to come. . . .

Parents of children who have suffered due to the lack of available spaces for SEN children in the Towns urged her not to intervene and to allow Medway Council’s decision to stand.

They spoke about the loss of education because many schools were incapable of accommodating their complex needs.

Ultimately, the ministry of housing and local government upheld the authority’s decision and the planning permission went ahead.