Brand-new SEND school for local children moves closer to opening

A brand-new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is moving rapidly towards completion – helping more families across the borough access the support and learning environment their children need closer to home.

Major construction works are progressing on Richmond’s Clarendon School satellite centre in Petersham, with the building now watertight, roofing works complete, and major internal fit-out works underway ahead of its planned Autumn opening.

Speaking onsite today, Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the pace of progress on this hugely important project.

“This new school will make a real difference for local families – giving more children and young people the opportunity to learn and develop closer to home in an environment designed specifically around their needs.”

The purpose-built centre will provide places for up to 77 pupils with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism – helping reduce the need for out-of-borough placements and long journeys to school.

“For many families, that means spending less time travelling across London and more time feeling part of their local community,” said Councillor Roberts.

The new facility will include 10 classrooms alongside specialist teaching spaces for art, music, drama, food technology and life skills, as well as therapy rooms, breakout areas, a multipurpose hall and dedicated sensory and outdoor play spaces.

Councillor Julia Cambridge, Chair of Richmond’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Every child deserves an education that meets their needs and helps them succeed – and this new school will deliver exactly that.

“It has been designed to help children feel safe, supported and confident – with specialist facilities and dedicated spaces that will help pupils develop independence, build relationships and reach their potential.”

Construction company Kier is leading the development. Sustainability is central to the design, with features including energy-efficient heating, solar panels and smart energy monitoring, alongside a net zero carbon operating target.

Chris Cusack, Project Manager at Kier Construction, said: “We are proud to be working with Richmond Council and our framework partners to deliver this important new facility. Once complete, the school will provide vital specialist SEND places for local children and young people, leaving a lasting legacy for the community.”

Alongside the construction works, the project has also supported local employment, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities through Richmond Council’s Work Match programme, while site teams have carried out volunteering and community initiatives across Ham and Petersham.

The Clarendon SEND satellite centre is due to open in Autumn 2026.

You can watch newly released drone footage showing the significant progress being made onsite ahead of the school’s Autumn opening.

In November last year, the centre officially ‘topped out’, reaching its highest point in construction – marking a major milestone for the project.

Plans for the new school were approved in 2023, with councillors noting it would provide local children much-needed specialist places closer to home, removing the need for long journeys across the river for their education.