A consultation has been launched with parents and stakeholders to create up to 40 new places for SEND pupils in summer 2026.
Essex County Council, working with Northwick Park Academy Trust, is investing in a vacant building on the site of William Read School, Canvey Island which is no longer required for mainstream education.
The building would serve as a satellite site for Castledon School in Wickford, part of the Zenith Multi Academy Trust, in order to meet growing demand. Capital funding has been secured to ensure the building is able to meet the needs of children with severe learning difficulties.
The move is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to ensure children and families of children with SEND are given support in Essex, including through specialist school provision.
Existing pupils would remain at the Wickford premises with the potential for new pupils, particularly those around Canvey Island, to benefit from the expansion.
The council would build a new reception and fenced boundary between the schools, including separate entrances and car parking.
The consultation runs from Monday 22 September to Monday 20 October and has been shared with parents and stakeholders. The results will be used as part of a submission to the Department for Education.
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “This is a great opportunity to offer much-needed places for more children with SEND. I thank Northwick Park Academy Trust and Zenith Multi Academy Trust for their work in making this possible
“We encourage parents and stakeholders to share their views so we can put forward a compelling case to the Department for Education, with the aim of bringing this new site live in summer 2026.”
Andy Hodgkinson, CEO of Zenith, said: “We very much understand the demand for special school places, and the pressures facing families. Therefore, working closely with Essex County Council, we hope this proposal, if approved, will make a real difference to pupils’ chances in life, building on Castledon School’s recognised outstanding practice.”
Emma Lane, CEO or Northwick Park Trust, said: “We are fully supportive of this proposal. If approved, it will benefit many Canvey families."