The Princess Royal officially opens new classroom block at Wiltshire school
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was welcomed to Silverwood School's Rowde Campus for the official opening of its new classroom block and facilities
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited a school in Wiltshire on Friday (September 5) for the official opening of its newly completed classroom extension and facilities.
During her visit to Silverwood School's Rowde Campus HRH The Princess Royal toured the new facilities including state of the art classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and immersive sensory rooms.
She also watched design and technology activities and engaged with pupils.
The school community, including pupils, staff, representatives from Wiltshire Council, construction partner Wilmott Dixton, and key local figures, also gathered to celebrate the opening.
Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening and was presented with a posy by pupil Mia Blaxall.
The new classroom block welcomed pupils in September 2024 and is the result of a development programme designed to enhance learning opportunities for children from early years through to post-16.
The extension features multiple teaching wings with 33 general classrooms, therapeutic support spaces, a large multi-purpose hall, and dining areas tailored to meet diverse pupil needs.
There are also specialist playrooms, sensory environments, and outdoor learning areas - including a multi-use games area and playing fields.
The site also incorporates wildlife friendly features such as badger gates within the fencing and designated "bat corridors" to support local bat populations.
Wiltshire Council invested £31.5m in the build as part of wider plans to create a first-class education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities in Wiltshire.
Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: We are rightly proud of this school and how children and young people enjoy being part of this amazing facility with opportunities to learn and thrive. We want to ensure Wiltshire children and young people can access learning in Wiltshire and having this amazing facility is part of our wider plans to provide sufficient places for children and young people with SEND.
It is a very special moment to welcome HRH The Princess Royal and have her officially open this beautiful site and see how the children love being here. I hope she thoroughly enjoyed her time with us at Silverwood.
Sean McKeown, Executive Headteacher at Silverwood School, said: We are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase our new facilities to Her Royal Highness. This extension represents a significant investment in inclusive education and provides our pupils with inspiring spaces to learn, grow, and flourish. It was a proud day for our entire school community."