(UK) Mickleover: Special school to expand from 159 places to 182
- The end of childhood
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
Oct 7, 2025, Derbyshire Times: Special school expands to give more pupils room to thrive
A Derby school dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and complex needs has celebrated the opening of a brand-new two-storey teaching block – marking an important milestone in its growth.
St Clare’s School, in Mickleover, welcomed dignitaries including the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson and Liberal Democrat Councillor Lucy Care to cut the ribbon on the new facilities, which have transformed the school site.
The project, supported by Derby City Council, has seen the creation of additional teaching space, the enlargement of the multi-use games area (MUGA) and improved accessibility throughout the original building. The site has also been redesigned to support the school’s specialist provision: the interior has been redecorated in calming colours, lighting is now sensory-friendly, and new spaces include a wellbeing room, a sensory room and additional breakout areas linked to pupils’ curriculum and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) needs. . . .
Head of School, Stephen Sell said the investment had already begun to make a difference. He said: “Our school has always been proud of the inclusive and supportive environment we provide, but the reality was that our rooms were crowded, which made it difficult to meet the varied and complex needs of our pupils.”
“We are becoming increasingly popular, and this year we welcomed our largest ever Year 7 intake. To support this growth, we have revisited our core values of courage, pride and resilience – values which underpin everything we do at St Clare’s.” . . .
Thanks to the expansion, the school has increased its capacity from 159 to 182 students – giving more young people the opportunity to benefit from its highly regarded support and teaching. . . .
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