New purpose-built school for children with SEND opens in Sutton

A new purpose-built school for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has officially been opened by the Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Colin Stears. 

The new Carew Academy formerly located in the manor house in Beddington Park, has been relocated to provide more bespoke SEND teaching accommodation as well as to accommodate more pupils. 

The Academy school worked closely with the Council to develop the school and used funding from the Department for Education to build it. The Council also supported with a £145,000 contribution to provide the school with three outdoor play areas with bespoke play equipment for children with SEND.

The site will now provide 246 places for children with SEND in Sutton. Where previously the school could only provide places for those aged 7 to 18 years old, the new school will be able to accommodate children and young people from the ages of 5 right the way through to 19 years of age. The school will continue to be managed by Orchard Hill College Academy Trust. In addition, Sherwood Park School will use the existing manor house in Beddington Park to provide 24 additional places for children with autism from September 2025.

Councillor Marian James, Lead Member for Adults and Children at Sutton Council said;

“Thanks to our strong local partnerships, Sutton is now able to offer more local places for children and young people with additional and complex learning needs. The new Carew Academy is a fantastic purpose-built school that will mean our children and young people get the very best education in an environment completely tailored to meet their needs. I am extremely proud we have such a high-quality education facility in our borough, as we continue with our mission to make Sutton an inclusive place to live and go to school.” 

James Kearns, Principal of Carew Academy said;

“It is wonderful to finally welcome students into their new school. The space has been thoughtfully designed with the needs of our students in mind. I look forward to sharing stories of how they thrive and achieve in this fantastic new environment.

“A huge amount of effort has gone into designing and building our school creating a nurturing, inclusive environment with exceptional facilities where every student can feel supported and inspired. We are looking forward to the future and getting to know and adding value to our local community.”

The opening of the new school and increased provision for children and young people with SEND supports the delivery of the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Strategy 24-27, making Sutton an inclusive place for everyone.