New SEND school set to open at Plymouth Marjon University
The new school aims to address rising demand for special education in Plymouth
A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is scheduled to open at Plymouth Marjon University.
The university announced a five-year lease of its Studio School building to Elementa Education Group Ltd, a specialist provider of educational and support services.
This initiative seeks to address the increasing demand for SEND education in Plymouth.
There are currently 3,646 children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in the area, an increase of almost 1,000 compared to September 2024.
EHCPs are legally binding documents that outline a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they require, and their objectives.
Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Marjon University, expressed her support for the expansion.
At Plymouth Marjon University, we believe in high-quality, inclusive education and wellbeing support for all, and this provision will help meet a huge rise in demand.
I’m delighted with the plans which reflect the university’s genuine commitment to place and social purpose and to extending opportunity and possibility for all.
We look forward to welcoming the Elementa team to the Marjon site this year and to working together for the benefit of young people within the city and region, Taylor said.
The school will offer innovative programs through the Elmtree Learning Partnership alternative provision and Elmtree Sands SEND School for Year 6 to Year 11 students.
These classes aim to enhance learning and provide tailored support, focusing on employability and career aspirations.
Sarah Morrison, Group CEO and a Marjon graduate, shared her excitement about the partnership.
Having experienced Marjon as student, graduating in 2004, I am excited to be adding Plymouth to our locations with a partner who shares our commitment to giving every young person the education they deserve.
This initiative contributes to the increasing needs of young people in the region.
Morrison stated, We aim to strengthen community engagement and create pathways that empower learners to achieve their full potential.
Plymouth City Council is also working on opening a new special school to replace Mill Ford School and plans to open Pounds House in Central Park as a SEND school this September.
Additionally, the council plans to invest £1 million in supporting schools and academies to enable more children to be educated in mainstream environments.
This investment is part of the council’s SEND Sufficiency Plan.