Merton is to benefit from a new special free school as part of an initiative announced by the Department for Education (DfE) today.
More than 120 school places will be created as a result of the new provision which saw Merton chosen as one of seven local authorities from across the country to benefit from the national programme. It is expected that the new school can open by September 2026.
The new school is part of the Government's strategy to provide more local specialist places to meet demand. It follows the opening in September 2022 of the Whatley Campus of Melrose College, creating more than 80 new school places for children with Autism and Communication Needs in a former school building in Raynes Park.
Stephen Hammond, Member of Parliament for Wimbledon, commented on the announcement: “I welcome this additional SEND provision from the Conservative Government. This provision will deliver improved educational opportunities across Wimbledon as well as help to improve educational outcomes for children locally."
