(UK) London borough: Plans made for special school for 77 students with "complex needs"

May 29, 2026, Richmond.gov: Brand-new SEND school for local children moves closer to opening - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

A brand-new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is moving rapidly towards completion – helping more families across the borough access the support and learning environment their children need closer to home. . . .

The purpose-built centre will provide places for up to 77 pupils with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism – helping reduce the need for out-of-borough placements and long journeys to school. . . .

Plans for the new school were approved in 2023, with councillors noting it would provide local children much-needed specialist places closer to home, removing the need for long journeys across the river for their education.

Richmond councillors joined Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney and Kier construction staff onsite to see the latest progress on the development and meet some of those involved in local employment, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities linked to the project.