On 11 March 2026, the Department for Education approved a plan by BCP Council to create more than 200 new specialist school places at the former Parkfield School site in Bournemouth, Dorset. This project aims to provide dedicated educational facilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new site will act as a satellite campus for the “Outstanding”-rated Linwood School and is planned to accommodate up to 216 students. These places are for children with a variety of needs, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Local officials hope the expansion will reduce the shortage of specialist placements and the need for expensive school spots outside of the local area. By keeping children closer to home, the council aims to provide a high-quality education within a familiar environment.
The project will be funded through the council’s high needs capital grant programme. The campus is expected to open in stages, with the first phase likely to be ready by autumn 2027.
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