New special school places for south east Wiltshire planned

Thursday, 10 July 2025 06:05

An additional 120 school places for children with Special Educational Needs aged from four to 19 years will open in south east Wiltshire next year, so more Wiltshire children can stay local for their education.

The Department for Education has given a Significant Change DfE approval for the Exeter House satellite school, which will be located in the grounds of the Wellington Academy site in Ludgershall.

The former boarding house on the site has been transformed into a satellite school for pupils with Severe and Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities. It will have sensory and soft play spaces, 12 classrooms, plus a specialist classroom for activities such as food technology and a life skills area. The boarding school was closed down by Wellington Academy in July 2024. The new satellite school is linked to Exeter House in Salisbury and will be named Exeter House Wellington

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We want all our children and young people to have the choice to be educated in Wiltshire. We have long-term plans to create more SEND spaces, and this latest satellite school is helping us achieve this.

“Exeter House Wellington will provide 120 additional special school places in the south east of the county and will make a huge difference for pupils and their families. Now we have the DfE consent, we can move forward and make the final changes for opening in the Autumn of 2026.”

Jackie Fieldwick, MBE, CEO of Brunel Academies Trust, which will manage the site, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wiltshire Council to deliver 120 much-needed specialist places in Wiltshire. Brunel is committed to ensuring all our children and young people are given every opportunity to be engaged, inspired and empowered to lead safe and successful lives.

"This fabulous collaboration with Wiltshire Council will provide excellent opportunities for children and young people in the Tidworth and surrounding areas to be successful and happy. Local provision for local children and young people with additional needs that will support families and the community they live in. Brunel and Wiltshire Council opening doors, opening minds, and helping children and young people realise their potential.”