Progress underway to deliver new SEND school in West Northamptonshire
13 March 2025
Considerable progress has been made on the construction of the new special education needs and disabilities (SEND) school in Tiffield, north of Towcester, which will benefit pupils aged 4 to 18 by providing a state-of-the-art facility designed to support their educational needs.
With a total investment of £21.4 million, this project also enhances West Northamptonshire Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is working with Willmott Dixon through the Department for Education’s Construction Framework, to deliver this project which is set to be completed by summer 2025. The Council is also working closely with the Greenwood Academies Trust who will run the school from September. The school will have a number of specialist facilities, including dedicated teaching spaces, a soft playroom, a sensory room, a rebound therapy room, and expansive outdoor play areas.
On the same site, the Council is working with The Gateway School and Creating Tomorrow Partnership to redesign old disused buildings to turn them into a new space with 55 extra places for children who need support with their social, emotional, and mental health needs.
WNC is investing £5.5 million to turn these buildings into a unique special needs facility, working with Colam Construction and architects Sursham Tompkins. The new space, set to be ready by the end of May, will provide a modern learning environment with small outdoor teaching areas, as well as spaces for cooking, drama, IT, a gym, and nurturing support.
“The development of this site is hugely exciting and important for us. Young people are referred to us because they have difficulties in coping socially and/or emotionally and/or have issues with their mental health. As a result, they can often be locked out of learning that other people can access. We know that if we give these young people the space, the right staff and the right content, they can be engaging, sociable and employable people who add a great deal to their communities. This new building gives us the necessary space and enables us to expand our curriculum to give them the content they need to achieve and thrive in school and beyond.”Conor Renihan, Head Teacher at The Gateway School
Both developments have been possible through the Council’s work with local partners, including St John’s Tiffield Trustees who own the land. The trust has a commitment to ensure the land supports vulnerable children from West Northants and are actively involved in the new developments.
“We are excited to see the progress being made at Tiffield School and the Gateway School. These facilities will provide invaluable support to our local children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. We remain committed to creating inclusive environments that cater to every child’s needs, while also prioritising sustainability.”Cllr Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council
If a family is interested in a place at Tiffield or Gateway schools for their child, this will be considered as part of their Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) annual review or when a draft EHCP is issued.
Key achievements to date at Tiffield Special School include the demolition of four derelict buildings and completion of the steel frame structure. As well roof works, windows, doors, and over 50% completion of the brickwork.
Looking ahead, the next milestones will include the completion of brickwork to the external facade, completion of all classroom partition walls and doors installation of the rebound therapy room and adding green areas.