Two new special schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities that are planned for the borough have taken the next step as the Ascendancy Partnership Trust have had their application to run both schools approved.
The Ascendancy Partnership Trust is a newly formed multi-academy trust made up of three Berkshire special schools; Addington Special School in Woodley and Brookfields School in Reading, both rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and Manor Green School in Maidenhead, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
The trust, which evolved from Addington School, is currently in the final stages of being formed and is expected to take over the leadership of the three schools this September.
Specialist support and education
The two new schools, funded by the Department for Education, will offer 120 places each for children and young people aged four to 19.
One school will specialise In Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) for those with severe difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour who are likely to struggle building relationships, engaging in learning and coping in a classroom without extra support.
The other school will specialise in Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD) for those who are likely to need support with all activities in everyday life, such as dressing, washing and eating as well as having difficulties with speech and physical disabilities.
It is proposed that the two schools be based alongside each other at Rooks Nest Farm bordering Barkham and Finchampstead and the Department for Education are working towards an opening date of September 2026.
