Havering Council submits plans for new 300-pupil SEND school
The project is funded through a Department for Education (DfE) grant and is being delivered by contractor Galliford Try. Astrum Multi Academy Trust has been selected to run the school
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Havering Council has revealed it has submitted plans for a new 300-place school in Gidea Park, which would cater for pupils aged four to 19 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Facilities outlined in the application include a sports hall, therapy pool, stage and outdoor play areas. The site is also intended for community use outside school hours.
Havering’s planning authority is currently validating the application before a statutory 21-day public consultation. A decision by the council’s strategic planning committee is expected before the end of 2025.
The project is funded through a Department for Education (DfE) grant and is being delivered by contractor Galliford Try, with Haverstock Architects as lead designers.
Astrum Multi Academy Trust has already been selected to run the school.
Cllr Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people in Havering, said: “We are pleased that plans for Balgores School are advancing as it will bring a much-needed facility to our borough. It means that Havering pupils can be educated locally, benefitting from shorter travel times to the right facilities to meet their needs, while supporting the development of friendship and social groups closer to home.
“The public consultation will provide the opportunity to show how the scheme is developing as well as gain further valuable insights from the community before the plans go to the planning committee later in the year.”
Lara Parr, chief executive of Astrum Multi Academy Trust, added: “Astrum Multi Academy Trust were chosen to run the new Havering special school and are very happy with the design that has been developed with the project team and will provide 300 SEND much needed places in Havering and offer community use of its wonderful facilities.
“We very much look forward to working with the families, local community and the London Borough of Havering and other stakeholders to deliver a truly outstanding provision.”
Public engagement sessions with residents and councillors were held earlier this year to help inform the design.