Construction is about to begin on a new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as demand for school places in Sutton soars.
The Angel Hill Free School will break ground in September, creating 96 much-needed specialist places for local pupils, though an opening date has not yet been set despite originally being planned for September 2025.
Sutton supports a higher proportion of young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) than both London and national averages. There are 318 children and young people per 10,000 residents aged 0–24 with an EHCP in Sutton, compared to 292 in London and 280 nationally.
Since 2015, the number of students with EHCPs in Sutton has nearly doubled, rising from 1,100 to over 2,100. EHCPs are a legally recognised document meant to guarantee tailored SEND education for their children.
Currently, some parents have to send their children to schools outside the borough because there aren’t enough SEND places locally. To address this, the South London council is working to increase the number of SEND school spaces within the borough.
Approved by Sutton Council’s Planning Committee in February, the Angel Hill Free School will be run by the Greenshaw Learning Trust. While the Department for Education confirmed the start date for construction, it is unclear when the school is planned to open.
The school will be housed on the grounds to the south of Sutton Sports Village on Rosehill Recreation Ground. The site will include parking and sports facilities, like a multi-use games area, that the local community will be able to use outside of school hours.
Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, Luke Taylor, welcomed the news, calling it a major step forward for local SEND provision. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “This new school will bring much-needed places for children with SEND in our community.
“It means more families will have access to specialist education close to home. I’m proud to have worked with the council to help secure this investment, and I’m glad the Government listened and acted.”
Following the planning approval, Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Adults and Children, said: “I’m proud we’re expanding opportunities for young people with SEND, whether that’s through new school places, specialist support, or inclusive facilities.”
Last month, Carew Academy opened its new, purpose-built site in Wallington for students aged 7 to 19. It offers 246 places and specialist facilities for science, life skills, therapy, ICT, drama, and food technology.
From 2025, Sherwood Park School will repurpose its former Manor House site in Beddington to create 24 additional places for autistic pupils. Improvement works at Sherwood Park’s Hill Campus will also enhance teaching, sensory, and communal spaces.
Post-16 SEND education is also expanding. Orchard Hill College, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and will open a new 72-place campus this October at the Sutton Life Centre.
The facility will focus on preparing 16–25-year-olds for independent living, employment, and further qualifications. By the end of 2025, the Life Centre will also house a ‘Preparation for Adulthood Hub’, developed with Advocacy for All and local families.
The hub will provide practical support and guidance for young people with SEND transitioning to adult life. The Life Centre was opened by then-Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in 2010, after costing the council £8m to build.
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