New £20m SEND school could be ready in two years

The final plans still need to be submitted to the council

A new school for children aged four to 16 with special education needs and disabilities (Send) could open in time for the 2027/28 academic year.

The £20m school will be built on council-owned land on Arle Road in Cheltenham and will be sponsored by Enable Trust, which specialises in SEND education and alternative provisions.

Gloucestershire County Council has experienced high demand for Send provision, with more spaces needed particularly around Cheltenham and Gloucester.

"We are committed to making sure all children in Gloucestershire can access high quality education that meets their needs," said councillor Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education at Gloucestershire County Council.

The school will welcome students with complex learning difficulties, including autism and associated difficulties.

Andrew Buckton, CEO of Enable Trust said they were "thrilled to be collaborating with local schools, trusts, and the Local Authority to support children with complex special educational needs in the area".

Representatives from the trust and council met with residents and local parents of children with Send ahead of submitting the final plans for approval.