Celebration as new Crowborough SEND school reaches major milestone

A major milestone in the construction of a new specialist school in Crowborough has been celebrated following the completion of its roof.

Children and their families joined representatives from East Sussex County Council and London South East Academies Trust at Acre Wood Academy on Wednesday, July 8, to see the progress made on the development.

Construction company Willmott Dixon hosted the event after the purpose-built school reached its maximum height.

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 and provide a real sense of community for the pupils and their families.

She added: “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.”

The development will provide a new home for secondary-age pupils who are currently based at the nearby Beacon Academy.

Post-16 pupils will continue to be co-located with Beacon Academy at its Green Lane site.

Acre Wood Academy, which is part of London South East Academies Trust, will provide 60 specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The school has been designed to meet a range of complex needs, with ramp and lift access throughout the building.

It will also include safe and secure outdoor areas, covered breakout spaces linked to classrooms, and dedicated PE and social areas.

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 will now continue fitting out the interior, installing external finishes and carrying out landscaping work.

The building is expected to be completed in early 2027, with pupils due to move into the new facilities during the spring.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon Construction South, said: “Today’s 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.”

The project team also includes ECE Architects and Playle and Partners, which is providing quantity surveying and project management support.

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