A specialist education facility is set to move to a former middle school in Bury St Edmunds in what has been described as a ‘fantastic development’.
Chalk Hill Academy is currently in Cats Lane, Great Cornard, near Sudbury, but is planned to relocate to the former Horringer Court Middle School site in a project that is being supported with £1.89 million from Suffolk County Council.
The money will be used to refurbish the former middle school and will see Chalk Hill upscale its facilities, with the relocated setting opening in September 2025.
The Chalk Hill team. Picture: Supplied by Lawrence Chapman
Chalk Hill Academy, which comes under Eastern Education Group (EEG), supports boys aged eight to 14 who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream schools.
The move has been announced by Suffolk County Council, the local education authority, which has teamed up with EEG which is now facilitating a range of special and alternative provision across Suffolk.
Parents, carers and students are currently being consulted on the plans.
The proposed Chalk Hill designs. Picture: Grayling Thomas ArchitectsThe proposed Chalk Hill designs. Picture: Grayling Thomas Architects
Lawrence Chapman, one of the project organisers, said the new facility ‘will give much needed space and resources for Chalk Hill Academy learners’.
Mr Chapman, a regional director for SEND and outdoor learning at EEG, said: “This is a fantastic development for Chalk Hill and something we have been trying to do for a long while.
“We are very excited about the move. This will make a huge difference to the education of the young people at Chalk Hill.”
Although currently based in Sudbury, the facility supports children and young people from across the county so the move from one town to another will not be a major issue according to Nicki Jennings, the Chalk Hill Academy head of school.
Nicki said: “We’re delighted and so excited about the move. We wish we could do it even quicker. The access to additional space, a sports hall and specialist classrooms will have such a positive impact on our young people.”
Cllr Andrew Reid, the cabinet member for education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: “It’s ideal that we have been able to repurpose buildings that are currently vacant to support the improvement of SEND provision in Suffolk.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the school and EEG as we work together to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of students and staff at Chalk Hill Academy.”
Chalk Hill was previously part of SENDAT, which merged with Eastern Education Group last year.