First look inside new £36m Cambridgeshire school
Work to build a new £36 million school in Cambridgeshire has been completed. The Specialist Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, Prestley Wood Academy, is located at the heart of the Alconbury Weald development in Huntingdon.
Delivered on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, Prestley Wood Academy now has the capabilities to cater for 150 pupils aged between the ages of four and 19. The school will form part of the Alconbury Weald Education Campus and will see the addition of a new secondary school in future phases.
Working in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust to complete extensive engagement, Prestley Wood now boasts some of the 'best SEND facilities in the region.' This includes two sensory rooms, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, trampoline room, soft play and much more.
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Improvements have been made to the outside areas too with improved soft landscaping, including the introduction of new outside play and gym equipment and 120 new trees and wildflowers planted. Prestley Wood Academy will be run as its own school but with strong links to Huntingdon’s nearby Spring Common Academy Trust, which is part of the same Horizons Education Trust.
Jamie Shearman, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Cambridgeshire, said: “Prestley Wood Academy sets a new standard for SEND schools in Cambridgeshire. We are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with a great local supply chain and team, alongside Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust, to deliver this great project.
“At Morgan Sindall, we believe great learning environments inspire children’s education and progress and feel that Prestley Wood will give the next generation the best start in life.”
Caroline Place, Head Teacher at Alconbury Weald added: "Horizons Trust has worked closely with Morgan Sindall over a number of years to create an inspirational and sustainable build design, which will serve future generations of learners. Throughout the process, Morgan Sindall has listened and expertly acted upon the specialist SEND guidance in a consistent timely manner to ensure the environment is safe and provides an accessible and joyful experience for our very special group of young people.
“The open atmosphere of collaboration and creativity between a range of knowledgeable and approachable professionals has been incredible, and ably facilitated by the expert Morgan Sindall team. The whole Prestley Wood community cannot thank Morgan Sindall enough.
“The new building is a wonderful environment for learning and growth and a fantastic flagship school for our community. We look forward to welcoming our students to Prestley Wood Academy at the start of the autumn term in September 2024.”