(UK) Worthing: $9.4M for new 'much needed' special school
- The end of childhood
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Dec 16, 2025, Sussex Express: 'Positive and practical way forward' - Major funding offer for new SEND school in Worthing
The government has offered more than £7million [$9.4M] to build a new school in Worthing – for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
A governmental spokesperson told Sussex World that the project in West Durrington will form part of a £3 billion[$4B] national investment in SEND provision. They said around 50,000 specialist places will be be created nationwide – ‘both in purpose-built and adapted mainstream settings’.
The spokesperson explained: “The Beckmead Trust has been offered £7,020,000 by the government to build The Wealden Academy, a brand new SEND school in West Durrington.
“It will give pupils and their teachers the tools and support they need in tailor-made spaces, such as calming spaces for those children with needs such as autism or ADHD who may feel overstimulated by busy school environments.
“It will also mean more pupils in Worthing being able to access specialist places closer to home, without the overwhelming current need for – and associated costs of – cross-county and even out-of-county transport.”
The plans have been warmly welcomed by Worthing West MP, Dr Beccy Cooper, and Worthing Borough Council leader, Sophie Cox.
Dr Cooper said: “This funding is a real opportunity to expand much-needed SEND capacity in West Sussex. I strongly support inclusive education, but inclusion only works when the right specialist provision is in place for children whose needs cannot be met in mainstream settings.
"A new SEND school in West Durrington would strengthen the whole system, reduce out-of-area placements and help more children learn closer to home. It is vital that this funding is used for its intended purpose and delivered at pace.”
Councillor Cox said Worthing has ‘seen first-hand’ the ‘growing pressure’ on SEND provision.
She added: “This proposal offers a positive and practical way forward. A new specialist school in West Durrington would support families locally, improve outcomes for children with additional needs and complement inclusive mainstream education.
"We welcome investment that responds directly to community need and helps ensure children can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time.”
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