The Ascendancy Partnership Trust has had its application to run two new schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities approved.
The Trust is a newly formed multi-academy organisation made up of three Berkshire special schools; Addington Special School in Woodley, Brookfields School in Reading, and Manor Green School in Maidenhead.
It evolved from Addington School, and is currently in the final stages of being formed. It is expected to take over the leadership of the three schools this September.
The two new schools, funded by the Department for Education, will offer 120 places each for children and young people aged four to 19-years-old.
One school will specialise In Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) for those with severe difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour who are likely to struggle building relationships, engaging in learning and coping in a classroom without extra support.
The other school will specialise in Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD) for those who are likely to need support with all activities in everyday life, such as dressing, washing and eating as well as having difficulties with speech and physical disabilities.
It is proposed that the two schools will be based alongside each other at Rooks Nest Farm bordering Barkham and Finchampstead. The Department for Education is working towards an opening date of September 2026.
