Plans have been approved that will see a new Cognition & Learning (C&L) resource base at the Bulmershe School in Woodley.
The plans from Wokingham borough council form part of its strategic programme to expand specialist SEND provision across the borough, ensuring that secondary-age pupils with cognition and learning needs can access high-quality, structured support within an inclusive mainstream environment.
The approved development will comprise a single-storey modular building providing one larger classroom, several smaller teaching and resource rooms, small-group and sensory spaces, a kitchen/life Skills area, staff accommodation, WCs and plant, together with a secure external learning environment designed specifically for C&L pupils.
The building will be located on an area of underused grass adjacent to the existing table tennis building and sports courts, forming a self-contained but well-integrated addition to the wider school campus.
The preferred siting was selected following a location options appraisal, identifying this position as offering the strongest access links, good visual connection to the school, and minimising impacts on operational outdoor space.
It will provide specialist accommodation for approximately 25 pupils.
The modular construction approach will minimise disruption during installation and ensure a consistent, robust building form aligned with the council’s wider SEND programme.
Vehicular access, parking and drop-off arrangements utilise the existing Bulmershe school entrance and car park, with SEND pupils accessing the unit via established pedestrian routes across the campus.
No new vehicle access is required.
Planning officers approved the plan on June 16.
