More than 600 new school and SEND places created for children across Suffolk
Council invests £8.6 million in specialist provision as part of the new places
More than 600 new school and specialist places are being made available for children and young people across Suffolk this academic year.
Suffolk County Council said at least 648 new places have been created, including 243 specialist places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
The SEND places have been delivered through an £8.6 million investment in additional provision across the county.
The remaining 405 places are in mainstream schools.
Where the new places are
The mainstream capacity includes the relocation and expansion of Lakenheath Primary School, which is providing an extra 105 primary places.
Rising pupil demand in Lakenheath highlighted the need for more places to support a growing local population.
Stowmarket High School is delivering an additional 300 secondary places, designed to meet rising demand driven by increased housing growth in the town.
New accommodation at Mildenhall College Academy is also becoming available this month to support increased pupil numbers.
Work will begin this month on further expansion projects at Ormiston Endeavour Academy and Thurston Primary School, which are expected to deliver an additional 510 places when completed in 2027.
Specialist SEND provision
The 243 SEND places have been created across special schools, specialist units attached to mainstream schools and small group provision.
The council said the programme will help more children access the right support closer to home, providing greater stability for families and reducing the need for placements further from their communities.
What the council said
Councillor Tony Gould, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said:
"Ensuring there are enough good school places for Suffolk children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, is one of our most important responsibilities.
"These 648 additional places represent a significant investment in Suffolk's future and support our commitment to giving children and young people the best possible start in life. They will help meet growing demand in our communities, support families and ensure more children and young people can attend a local school or access the specialist provision they need closer to home.
"We know demand for SEND provision continues to rise and we are determined to provide the right support at the right time. By expanding specialist provision and strengthening support available through mainstream schools, we are helping more children and young people access high-quality education in the setting that best meets their needs while remaining connected to their local communities.
"We're investing in school buildings and specialist provision today while also planning for future growth, so that Suffolk's education system remains strong, inclusive and able to support children and young people to thrive."