A specialist education facility is set to receive a £1.89m cash boost.
The money will see Chalk Hill Academy upscale it’s facilities as part of a move from Sudbury to Bury St Edmunds.
The academy – that supports boys aged 8 to 14 – will now be housed in the grounds where Horringer Court Middle School used to be.
The money given to the project by Suffolk County Council will be used to refurbish the former middle school and it will open in September 2025.
The move has been announced by Suffolk County Council who have teamed up with Eastern Education Group (EEG) who are now facilitating a range of special and alternative provision across Suffolk.
Previously this activity was overseen by an organisation called SENDAT.
Parents, carers and students who are set to benefit from the news are currently being consulted.
One of the organisers of this project is Lawrence Chapman. He believes that 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 Eastern Education Group added: “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. She 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 also backed the news. He 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 Eastern Education Group as we work together to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of students and staff at Chalk Hill Academy.”