Prime Highlights:
- Calder House near Colerne will be converted into the Northwood Centre, providing 50 new SEND school places locally.
- The project will cut costs significantly compared to sending children to independent specialist schools outside the county.
Key Facts:
- Annual cost for 50 places at Northwood Centre: £1.27 million; comparable INMSS placements cost £3.1 million.
- Average placement cost: £25,471 at maintained/academy special schools vs £62,219 at INMSS.
Background:
Wiltshire Council is set to increase school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by repurposing the former Calder House Independent School near Colerne. The site is planned to become a satellite campus of an existing special school, though the council has not yet confirmed which school will take part.
The project is part of the council’s wider strategy to improve local education services and support families in need.
The proposed campus, called the Northwood Centre, is expected to provide 50 high-need places at an annual cost of £1.27 million. In comparison, placements at independent non-maintained specialist schools (INMSS) cost the council around £3.1 million per year. On average, a full-time INMSS placement costs £62,219, while a maintained or academy special school placement costs £25,471.
Jon Hubbard of Wiltshire Council said the new campus will address urgent local demand, lower costs, and uphold the council’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. He said the council is committed to keeping children who need special school places in the county and making sure they get the education that suits them best.
The Northwood Centre aims to reduce reliance on out-of-county INMSS placements, keeping children closer to home while meeting their educational needs, and providing more tailored support to help them thrive academically and socially.
