A major milestone for specialist education in Sutton was marked on Friday as partners gathered on site to celebrate the official groundbreaking of Fernhill school, a new £20m purpose-built school for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The groundbreaking event signals the start of a project rooted in inclusion, wellbeing and long-term impact. Fernhill will provide a calm, welcoming and highly adaptable learning environment, shaped around the individual needs of pupils and staff. The 2,900 sq m building will include 12 classrooms, specialist therapy and quiet rooms, immersive sensory spaces, science, music, art and ICT-rich rooms, a food café, and fully accessible dining and hygiene facilities.
We are working in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE), Reds10, Sutton Council and the Greenshaw Learning Trust to deliver the new school that will support 96 pupils aged 11–19, specialising in provision for young people with autism.
Outdoor learning plays a key role in the design, with a sensory garden, habitat area and forest skills zone creating opportunities for exploration, movement and connection with nature – supporting both learning and wellbeing beyond the classroom.
Fernhill is part of the DfE’s £3 billion ‘Off-site Schools Framework’. The new SEND school will be developed and constructed predominantly off-site using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in Reds10’s factory.
Claire Wakelin, Director and Head of Education at HLM Architects, said:
“Breaking ground at Fernhill School is a really exciting moment for everyone involved. This is where the vision starts to become reality. From the very beginning, our focus has been on creating a warm, inclusive place where young people feel safe, supported and confident to be themselves. Seeing work start on site is a proud milestone and a testament to the strong collaboration behind this project.”
Construction will be delivered using advanced modular methods, with around 85% of the building manufactured offsite. This approach will help ensure high quality, faster delivery and minimal disruption to the local community.
Paul Ruddick, Chairman at Reds10 said: “Breaking ground at Fernhill School marks a significant milestone in the delivery of this school that will provide much-needed places in the local area. We’re proud to be part of this project, helping to create a high-quality, sustainable environment where pupils with autism can thrive. Working alongside the Department for Education, Sutton Council and the Greenshaw Learning Trust, we’re
Jason Gregory, Director of Growth and Development at the Greenshaw Learning Trust, commented:
“This project reflects what’s possible when partners work together with a shared purpose. Fernhill School will expand access to high-quality specialist education and create an environment where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.”
Gary Herbert, Project Director at the Department for Education, added:
“Fernhill School will provide the specialist support young people need to succeed in education and beyond. This milestone marks an important step towards ensuring every child can access the right learning environment for them.”
