Potential New Site

Department for Education and Wiltshire Council consider former UTC building as new home for specialist school

Reach South Academy Trust in partnership with the Department for Education, Wiltshire Council and leaders from other schools, are currently involved in a feasibility study to assess the potential of the UTC building on Wilton Road, Salisbury, as the site of the new SEND free school for south Wiltshire.

The whole team is committed to developing a school that is safe and purposeful for all its pupils. We are aware of the potential of the site but also recognise that work will need to be done to make it fit for purpose. The team will use their expertise and experience to establish how a building with great space and facilities can now be significantly adapted to meet the needs of an ASD and SEMH population. The team will also question and assess how the need for suitable outdoor spaces can be accommodated.

Jon Hamp Reach South Director for SEND said:

“Everyone is very excited about the new free school – for us, this is about having new provision that will build safe, independent lives for our pupils.  Working closely with Wiltshire Council and the Department for Education, we are exploring the potential of the former UTC site and look forward to the outcome of the feasibility study.

“We have made local residents aware that these initial explorations are happening, and the response has been really encouraging, with some very positive feedback.”

The UTC site will only be confirmed as the definite location for the new SEND free school once this process has been completed and any safety concerns have been addressed. Once the feasibility study has been completed the main findings will be communicated.

Reach South will begin a formal consultation on the new SEND school in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, if you have questions regarding the potential usage of the former UTC that you would like the feasibility team to consider, please feel free to contact freeschoolwilts@reachsouth.org