Plans for a new 200-pupil special school in Cheltenham have been unanimously approved by Gloucestershire County Council, offering a vital resource for children with complex learning difficulties. The all-through special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school will be built on the former St Benedict’s School Playing Field on Arle Road, providing facilities tailored primarily by need rather than age.
Designed mainly for ambulant pupils, the school will also include specialist amenities for those with mobility challenges. The school site, just under five acres, will feature a loop road with drop-off and pick-up areas capable of accommodating around 80 vehicles, aiming to ease local traffic congestion. Additionally, there will be 80 parking spaces for staff and visitors, including accessible bays and electric vehicle charging points, alongside dedicated spaces for minibuses, motorcycles, and bicycles.
On any given day, the school is expected to host approximately 70 staff members, including 25 teachers, 40 teaching assistants, five administrative personnel, and around 35 part-time catering, lunchtime, and caretaking staff. This comprehensive support structure underlines the school’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and care.
Helen Bond, Director of the Gloucestershire Parent Forum, emphasized the growing need for such a facility during the planning committee meeting on March 19. She highlighted that there are currently 6,500 children in Gloucestershire with education, health, and care plans, many waiting long periods for specialist places, which places significant strain on the children and their families.
Andrew Buckton, representing the Enable Trust, reinforced the importance of a specialist curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of children with complex disabilities, stressing the school’s value not only to its pupils but the wider community as well.
Local councillors voiced strong support for the project. Councillor David Willingham, speaking for Cheltenham Borough Council, underscored the demand for another special school in the area and praised the capacity to serve 200 junior and senior pupils as “brilliant.” Other councillors described the plans as a “slam-dunk” opportunity and an “incredibly important application,” expressing hope that the school will also offer significant support to families.
Chairman Sarah Sawyer lauded the County Council for its ongoing investment in special schools, and the committee unanimously approved the proposal.
Following the meeting, Councillor Willingham expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting its positive impact on families with special educational needs children and the community by repurposing previously unused land.