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Richmond Council commissions Kier to deliver a innovative, sustainable satellite centre for Clarendon School, boosting local SEND services with eco-friendly design and expanded facilities amid rising demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Kier has been appointed to deliver a new satellite centre for Clarendon School, a special educational needs and disability (SEND) institution in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This purpose-designed facility will significantly expand the school\u2019s specialist provision, accommodating up to 77 primary and secondary pupils (KS1\u2013KS5) with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism. The project is part of the Council\u2019s broader strategy to enhance and increase local SEND provision, aiming to provide children and young people with support closer to home and reduce reliance on out-of-borough placements.<\/p>\n
The satellite centre, developed through the SCAPE Construction Framework, will feature ten classrooms alongside four specialist teaching spaces dedicated to art, drama, music, food technology and life skills. Additional amenities will include a hall, kitchen, office space, therapy rooms, group rooms, and breakout areas designed to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The outdoor space will offer soft and hard play areas, a court area, and a sensory garden, while parking facilities for staff include electric vehicle charging points and cycle storage to encourage sustainable travel.<\/p>\n
The project has been designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, targeting a \u2018BREEAM Excellent\u2019 rating and net zero carbon operation in accordance with local and London planning standards. Energy-efficient features will encompass air source heat pumps for heating, photovoltaic panels for renewable electricity, motion detection lighting, and smart meters for detailed energy monitoring and reporting. This aligns with a growing trend in educational infrastructure towards environmentally responsible construction, balancing operational efficiency with the importance of creating healthy learning spaces.<\/p>\n
Richmond Council leader Councillor Gareth Roberts highlighted the project\u2019s significance: \u201cThis is about giving children and young people with special educational needs the very best start in life.\u201d He noted the local community\u2019s desire for specialised support to be available nearer home and expressed confidence that the investment represents a major step forward for the borough. Similarly, Kier\u2019s Regional Director, John Bolton, expressed pride in contributing to a facility that addresses the vital educational needs of SEND students in a modern and inclusive setting.<\/p>\n
The development will be delivered using Kier\u2019s integrated 360 approach, which brings together the company’s in-house teams for Mechanical and Electrical, Design, and Highways to ensure a collaborative and seamless build process. This appointment builds on Kier\u2019s substantial experience in the SEND sector with projects such as Carew Academy in Croydon, Pinn River in Hillingdon, and Spa School in Camberwell, reinforcing their role as a trusted provider in this specialised construction field.<\/p>\n
The Clarendon School already supports pupils with complex needs and moderate learning difficulties, managing additional satellite provisions for children with autism and social and emotional needs. This new satellite centre will complement and expand upon these existing services, enabling the school to meet increasing demand for SEND education locally. According to Richmond Council data, there has been a notable rise in Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, with numbers increasing by 7.5% between August 2024 and August 2025, reflecting the growing need for specialised support within the borough.<\/p>\n
The project arises amid Richmond\u2019s ongoing SEND Futures Plan, a strategy to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND across education, health, and social care. The plan also addresses system sustainability, with recent adoption of a SEND service redesign to streamline assessment and support processes starting September 2025. The Council\u2019s commitment to investment in SEND education infrastructure underscores its strategy to reduce long-term costs and improve service quality by providing enhanced local educational facilities.<\/p>\n
Architecture and design consultancy Playle & Partners LLP has contributed to the project\u2019s development, conducting early feasibility studies that weighed options between refurbishment and new builds. The final decision to pursue a bespoke, sustainable new build reflects a commitment to both functionality and environmental responsibility, with the scheme currently at RIBA Stage 4 and aiming for high sustainability credentials.<\/p>\n
This new satellite centre for Clarendon School stands as a testament to Richmond Council\u2019s proactive approach to meeting the educational and developmental needs of all children in the borough, representing substantial investment in specialist SEND provision that places inclusivity, sustainability, and community value at its core.<\/p>\n