Celebration as new SEND school reaches major milestone

A MAJOR milestone in the development of a new school for secondary age SEND students in Crowborough has been celebrated with the completion of the roof at Acre Wood Academy.

Children and their families were joined by representatives from East Sussex County Council and London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) at a special event on Wednesday, July 8, where construction specialists Willmott Dixon was able to show just how far the project had come.

Carolyn Fair, Director of Children’s Services at East Sussex County Council, said: “The event gave local families the chance to celebrate this important milestone and see the fantastic facilities taking shape.

“The council’s significant investment in this project will ensure a high-quality provision for young people with SEND and provide a real sense of community for the pupils and their families.

She added: “Special schools play an incredibly important role in supporting children with SEND. The council’s successful partnership with LSEAT will ensure children with SEND have access to high quality learning opportunities in a fully accessible and supportive environment.”

The development will provide a new home for secondary age students who are currently based at nearby Beacon Academy. Post 16 pupils will continue be co-located with Beacon Academy at their Green Lane site.

The purpose-built school, part of London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT), will provide 60 specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The facility has been designed to meet complex and varied needs with ramped and lift access throughout the building, safe, secure outdoor areas, covered breakout spaces linked to classrooms and PE and social areas.

Neil Miller, Deputy CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said: "Seeing Acre Wood Academy's new building take shape brings us another step closer to providing an exceptional learning environment designed around the needs of our young people.

"Thanks to the continued investment and support of East Sussex County Council, the project is progressing well. The windows and external doors are now being installed, with the internal fit-out to follow as we move towards completion in early 2027.

"Our aim at London South East Academies Trust is to transform lives through the power of learning. These purpose-built facilities will give our staff the best environment to deliver specialist education and support, helping SEND learners in the region to build confidence and achieve their full potential."

With the building reaching its maximum height, Willmott Dixon will continue fitting out the interiors, installing exterior finishes and undertaking landscaping with the aim to complete by early 2027 with pupils moving into the new facilities from the spring.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon Construction South, said: “Today’s topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a purpose-built school that will have a meaningful and life-changing impact on the community, the pupils, and their families. By providing young people with an inclusive environment that supports their needs, this facility will empower future students to thrive and reach their full potential.

We are proud to be working with East Sussex County Council and LSEAT to deliver a facility that will serve the community for generations to come.”