Head teacher thrilled special school can expand

Catherine Wilson said she was looking forward to seeing the building work progress

A head teacher said she was thrilled her over-subscribed special school in Peterborough can expand to meet an increasing need for places.

NeneGate School, run by the Meridian Trust, caters for pupils aged nine to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

It can accommodate 48 students but its extension - approved by the city council this week - will give it an extra 40 pupils spaces.

"We will soon be able to welcome even more young people to our school, providing them with the support and learning environment they need to thrive," said head teacher Catherine Wilson.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the building work progress and to sharing updates with our students, families, and wider community along the way."

Sixty-four pupils on the roll, so it is above the current capacity.

A further five classrooms and multi-use games area have been drawn into the plans, along with additional car parking.

The special school in Park Lane is the only one of its kind in Peterborough, meaning that, in some cases, children with an SEMH have to be placed elsewhere.

Peterborough City Council said the expansion would save a considerable amount of money, as funding out-of-area placements had been calculated at £28m over the next decade, not including travel costs.

It forecasted that another 46 children would possibly require a specialist SEMH placement over the next 12 months.

As part of the expansion, the number of full-time staff is expected to increase from 25 to 35, with one extra part-time worker in addition to the existing seven.

Martin Hair, director of facilities and estates at Meridian Trust, said work was scheduled to begin this month, with completion and handover expected in late 2026.