A new site for Woodlands Secondary School is being built in Luton to create up to 120 additional specialist places for children with additional needs amid growing demand for provision in the town.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Kestrel Way site on Monday 19 October, marking the latest step in the project to expand the school across two locations.
The new two-storey building is expected to open in autumn 2027 and will bring specialist education closer to home for some families living in the west of Luton.
Councillor Amjid Ali, Leader of Luton Council, said the expansion would help address increasing pressure on existing specialist school places.
“Demand for specialist school places in the town has grown, and our existing provision is under increasing pressure,” he said.
“We’re building on the success of a school that already has a strong track record, and this expansion means more young people will have the opportunity to benefit from the education and support the school provides.
“This investment is about helping more children fulfil their potential and giving their families confidence that the right specialist provision is available in Luton.”
The new facility will feature 14 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a gym and a specialist kitchen designed to support pupils with additional needs.
Outside, the site will include three playgrounds, three outdoor teaching spaces and a 60-space car park, with six electric vehicle charging bays and five disabled parking spaces.
Once the new site is fully operational, Woodlands will have capacity for up to 385 pupils across its two sites.
Rod Pavey, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, which is working on the project, said: “There is a growing need for specialist school places in Luton, and this project is an important step in helping to meet that demand.
“It brings us great pride to begin construction of this school facility, working with Luton Council to bring this vision to life. And we can’t wait to get to know the community along the way!”
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