Construction begins on 252-place Essex SEND school

Appointed by Essex County Council under a pre-construction services agreement, Kier Construction has started work on a new SEND school at Wolsey Park, near Rayleigh.

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We are committed to helping all children in Essex get the best possible start in life. This includes providing access to excellent education in mainstream or SEND provision.

“We know demand for SEND places in South Essex currently outstrips supply, so this exciting new school is specifically designed to help meet this pressing need.”

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, added: “We do not currently have a SEND school anywhere in the Rochford District, so creating this new school in Rayleigh should help to meet that vital, local need.”

The school is expected to be complete in 2027.