New 'All Through' School to Open in Abbeydale in 2027

Strategic Insights -

A new "all through" school is set to be built in Abbeydale, Gloucestershire, to cater to children and young people with Moderate and Additional Learning Difficulties. The school, designed to accommodate 200 children aged 4 to 16, will provide a range of services, including autism and speech, language and communication needs alongside learning difficulties. The school is due to open in January 2027 and will be a 'free school' academy operated by Reach South Academy Trust. The school's design has been carefully planned to achieve net zero emissions in operation, with PV solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new school will cater to 200 children aged 4 to 16 with Moderate and Additional Learning Difficulties, including autism and speech, language and communication needs alongside learning difficulties.
  • The school is designed to achieve net zero emissions in operation, with PV solar panels and air source heat pumps.
  • Reach South Academy Trust has been appointed to operate the new school following a competitive process coordinated by Gloucestershire County Council in 2023.
  • The school is part of the County Council's efforts to meet the increasing need for special school places, particularly in Gloucester and Cheltenham.
  • A further 200 place special school is set to open in Cheltenham later the same year, subject to necessary approvals.
  • Gloucestershire County Council's investment in the school is valued at PS19.5 million.
  • The school will be located in a central area of the county, within reasonable traveling distance of many towns.

Statistics:

  • The new school will accommodate 200 children aged 4 to 16.
  • The school's design aims to achieve net zero emissions in operation.
  • Gloucestershire County Council's investment in the school is PS19.5 million.
  • A further 200 place special school is set to open in Cheltenham later the same year.
  • Reach South Academy Trust operates 17 schools in the southwest, including Peak Academy, a special school in Dursley.

Sources:

  • Gloucestershire County Council's news release, no date provided, citing Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet member for Education and Skills.
  • Cllr Andrew Gravells, Local Councillor for the Abbey ward at Gloucestershire County Council, said... (no date provided).
  • Reach South Academy Trust's CEO designate, Tom Leverage, said... (no date provided).
  • Thomas Jones, Construction Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd, said... (no date provided).