New schools and school reorganisations and changes
School related consultations can be viewed in our dedicated consultations area.
New all-through special free school for Havering
We have identified the need to establish a new school to meet the increasing demand for specialist provision in the borough.
This follows Section 6A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 (the 'free school presumption'), where a local authority must seek proposals from suitably qualified organisations to establish a new school as a 'free school'.
The new 300 place all-through special school will be established at Balgores Field site in Romford and is planned to open from September 2027.
The new school is currently in design, and will soon be submitted for planning permission, therefore the successful academy trust will not have the opportunity to influence the design of the new school.
Selecting an academy trust
As the strategic commissioner of special school places in the local area, we are launching a competition process to appoint a suitably qualified academy trust to run the new special free school.
This is following the council's Cabinet decision in November 2023 to delegate to the Assistant Director of Education the authority to undertake a competition process to appoint a suitable academy sponsor to run the new all-through special free school.
It also follows a completed consultation process on the Children & Young People Education Place Planning Plan showing an overwhelming support from local residents and relevant stakeholders for the new school.
Who can apply?
All suitably qualified academy trusts are encouraged to apply.
We are particularly seeking an academy trust with a reputable track record of operating special schools for pupils with Communication and Interaction and Social, Emotional, Mental and Health needs.
Your academy trust would need to be judged by Ofsted as 'good' or 'outstanding' during your time of operation.
You must have a robust management capacity and structure that is able to deliver efficient curriculum and outcomes for children.
You must demonstrate that you are ambitious for our children and young people with SEND and able to work with the Starting Well Directorate to deliver the council's vision for our children to achieve their full potential.
Events
We will be holding two engagement events for Trusts and Academies via Virtual Meetings on Microsoft Teams.
- 16 April 2024 10am to 11.30am
- 17 May 2024 2pm to 3.30pm
Please email schoolsorganisation@havering.gov.uk for us to send you the meeting link prior to the meeting.
Please check this site regularly for updates regarding future events.
To assist you with completing and submitting you application, please download the following documents.
- Havering Special School Specification
- Havering Special School Equality Impact Assessment
- Free School Presumption - Application Form
- Free School Presumption - Application Form (Word version)
- Free School Presumption – Finance Appendix (to be completed and submitted alongside the application form)
- Free School Presumption- Criteria
Please ensure that your completed application and finance appendix is sent to schoolsorganisation@havering.gov.uk no later than 5pm Tuesday 28 May 2024.
If you have any questions about the process then please email schoolsorganisation@havering.gov.uk in the first instance.