East Sussex County Council hails ‘major milestone’ as roof is completed at new Crowborough SEND school
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) has announced that the roof of a new SEND school in Crowborough has been completed.
The council hailed the finished roof at Acre Wood Academy as a ‘major milestone’, saying this was marked with a special event on Wednesday, July 8.
ESCC said children and their families were joined by representatives from the council and London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) at the ‘topping out ceremony’ when construction specialists Willmott Dixon showed how far the project had come.
Carolyn Fair, director of children’s Services at East Sussex County Council, said: “The event gave local families the chance to celebrate this important milestone and see the fantastic facilities taking shape. The council’s significant investment in this project will ensure a high-quality provision for young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and provide a real sense of community for the pupils and their families.”
ESCC said the development will provide a new home for secondary age students who are currently based at nearby Beacon Academy. The council said post-16 pupils will still be co-located with Beacon Academy at their Green Lane site.
The purpose-built school is part of LSEAT and is set to provide 60 specialist places for children with SEND. The council said the facility is designed to meet complex and varied needs, offering ramped and lift access throughout, as well as safe and secure outdoor areas, covered breakout spaces linked to classrooms, and PE and social areas.
Carolyn Fair said: “Special schools play an incredibly important role in supporting children with SEND. The council’s successful partnership with LSEAT will ensure children with SEND have access to high quality learning opportunities in a fully accessible and supportive environment.”
Neil Miller, Deputy CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said: “Seeing Acre Wood Academy’s new building take shape brings us another step closer to providing an exceptional learning environment designed around the needs of our young people. Thanks to the continued investment and support of East Sussex County Council, the project is progressing well. The windows and external doors are now being installed, with the internal fit-out to follow as we move towards completion in early 2027.
“Our aim at London South East Academies Trust is to transform lives through the power of learning. These purpose-built facilities will give our staff the best environment to deliver specialist education and support, helping SEND learners in the region to build confidence and achieve their full potential.”
Willmott Dixon is now set to fit out the building’s interiors, instal exterior finishes and undertake landscaping. The council said the aim is to finish by early 2027 so pupils can move into the new facilities from that spring.
Richard Poulter, managing director at Willmott Dixon Construction South, said: “The topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone in the delivery of a purpose-built school that will have a meaningful and life-changing impact on the community, the pupils, and their families. By providing young people with an inclusive environment that supports their needs, this facility will empower future students to thrive and reach their full potential.
“We are proud to be working with East Sussex County Council and LSEAT to deliver a facility that will serve the community for generations to come.”