A new purpose-built special educational needs and disability (SEND) satellite centre for Clarendon School in Twickenham is set to be built, after the Council appointed construction company Kier to deliver the project.

The new facility, developed through the SCAPE Construction Framework, will provide high-quality education and support for up to 77 pupils across primary and secondary age groups (KS1–KS5) with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism.

Forming part of Richmond Council's wider investment in expanding SEND provision locally, the project will ensure children and young people can access the right support closer to home and reduce the need for placements outside the borough.

The new site will feature ten classrooms and four specialist teaching spaces for art, drama, music, food technology and life skills, alongside a hall, therapy rooms, kitchen, group spaces, offices and breakout areas.

Outdoor areas will include soft and hard play zones, a sports court, and a sensory garden, while new car parking facilities will include electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage to support sustainable travel.

Designed with sustainability at its heart, the new centre is targeting a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and aims to be net zero carbon in operation.

Features will include air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, motion sensor lighting, and smart energy monitoring systems.

John Bolton, Regional Director at Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, said: "We are incredibly proud to be delivering such an important school for the borough.

"This outstanding facility will address the vital need for specialist SEND education while providing much-needed support for students in a modern and inclusive environment."

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, added: "This is about giving children and young people with special educational needs the very best start in life.

"Families in Richmond upon Thames have told us how important it is to have the right support closer to home, and that's exactly what this project will deliver.

"This represents a significant investment in our pupils and staff and is a major step forward for our borough – one I know will make a real difference for years to come."

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said the project would "create long-term value and deliver meaningful social and economic outcomes" for students and the wider community.

The scheme will be delivered through Kier's integrated 360 approach, bringing together its in-house mechanical, electrical, design and highways teams to create a world-class, inclusive learning environment.

Kier has extensive experience delivering SEND facilities across London, including Carew Academy in Croydon, Pinn River in Hillingdon, and Spa School in Camberwell.

To find out more about the project, visit the SCAPE Construction Framework here.

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