Connaught Special School project breaks ground

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction work on the new Connaught Special School in Newham, east London.

Designed by HLM Architects, the new facility will provide education and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The £19.4m development, bring delivered in partnership with Reds10, marks a major step in addressing the significant shortage of SEND school places in the borough.

Once complete, the two-storey, all-through educational facility will provide 105 much-needed places for pupils aged 4-18, specialising in supporting autistic children with severe learning difficulties.

Commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered alongside the London Borough of Newham and the Learning in Harmony Trust, the school is scheduled for completion in winter 2026/2027.

HLM Architects has designed the school to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

The layout prioritises accessibility, wellbeing, and flexibility, with purpose-built classrooms, adaptable activity areas, and dedicated therapy spaces.

The design also features outdoor play areas, accessible parking, and carefully-considered interiors — including calming acoustics, natural lighting, and soft colour palettes — to create a setting that supports sensory comfort and enhances learning experiences.

In alignment with the DfE’s sustainability and efficiency goals, the school is being constructed using Reds10’s advanced modular technology.

This approach not only ensures high quality and consistency, but also significantly reduces the environmental impact and construction time on site.

Speaking on the project, Claire Wakelin, director and head of education at HLM Architects, said: “We’re delighted to see work begin on Connaught School — a project that truly embodies our commitment to designing inclusive, human-centred learning environments.

“Every element of the design has been shaped around the needs of its pupils, creating spaces that support wellbeing, independence, and joy in learning.

“Working alongside Reds10, the Department for Education, and the Learning in Harmony Trust, we’re proud to play a part in delivering a school that will make a lasting difference for young people and families in Newham.”