New secondary specialist school opens in Newbury

A former nursery in Newbury has been transformed into a much-needed secondary school for children with specialist educational needs and disabilities.

Amegreen Children’s Services finally won planning permission in the summer and Ofsted has given its go ahead for the co-educational school to open for youngsters aged 11 to 16 years old.

Northcroft School will deliver a bespoke learning environment for up to 30 pupils with a range of severe learning conditions such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorders, trauma and sensory overload.  

Its opening is in direct response to the government’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, to combat the shortage of specialist schools in West Berkshire and to set new national standards.

The school will be the second to open for Amegreen after Haywards Farm Primary School opened in Theale last year. Amegreen also provides children’s homes across Hampshire and Berkshire.

Rachel Redgwell, Director at Amegreen, said: “There is such a huge shortage of specialist schools in the UK and we’re proud that we have now opened both our primary and secondary schools to help meet the needs of youngsters in our community.

“We’re pleased to be able to give more local children the education they need to fulfil their potential and be well prepared for adulthood and employment.”

Amegreen is now working with local businesses to equip students with the skills required to enter employment, including supporting them to complete apprenticeships.

Agreements have also been made with Waterside Centre and Northcroft Lane Leisure Centre to support the school’s curriculum. And Northcroft students will also have the opportunity to benefit from equine therapy at Amegreen’s stables in Berkshire.