Construction begins on new SEN school in Kidbrooke
Construction has started on a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Royal Greenwich. Located on the site of the former Kidbrooke Primary School on Hargood Road, it is due to complete in early 2026, providing spaces for 128 pupils aged 11 to 19.
With a growing demand for SEN provision across the country, we are working to ensure that there is enough provision to meet the needs of local residents. Rowan Wood School will address that gap and offer much needed support for young people with SEN.
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “In Royal Greenwich we want children and young people to achieve great things and fulfil their incredible potential. Developing environments like Rowan Wood School where additional support can be provided will empower them do that.
“The development of our SEN strategy last year has allowed us to work with and listen to the needs of our young people with SEN. This tailor-made facility will provide the perfect setting for the next generation to learn and grow, and is a great investment in the future of our borough."
Rowan Wood will be managed by The Compass Partnership of Schools, a leading trust dedicated to meeting the needs of students with SEN.
Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development said: “This day marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our local education and planning sectors. This is tangible proof of the resource we are inputting into much needed positive developments for our residents. We are working on building more provisions like this in the borough to meet demand which I am eager to see come to fruition.”
The Royal Borough of Greenwich have appointed Galliford Try and Pick Everard to undertake the works.
Simon Hembury, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “It’s always rewarding to work on SEN schools and consider the unique design requirements that staff and pupils have for their space.
“At Rowan Wood, that means we’re consulting extensively with various stakeholders to ensure we are designing an inclusive space for all, in line with DfE regulations.
“The site is located in a residential area, so we have worked very closely with both the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Galliford Try to ensure minimal disruption and see that everyone is on board with a project that will transform local educational need in the area.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the site evolve over the course of the year and have a positive impact on the region.”