Willmott Dixon has successfully completed and handed over the keys to the groundbreaking new Paddock Secondary and Sixth Form School building on Broadwater Road, Tooting – a transformational facility that will reshape special educational provision for children and young people across Wandsworth.

The purpose-built school, procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, represents a significant milestone in expanding high-quality, accessible education for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) requirements. Opening to students this September for the 2025/26 academic year, the facility will welcome an additional 64 pupils, ensuring more young people can access appropriate specialist support closer to home.

Creating Lasting Community Impact

This state-of-the-art facility goes beyond traditional educational boundaries, featuring innovative spaces designed to nurture both learning and real-world skills development. The school's unique onsite café, operated by students and open to the public, provides invaluable work experience opportunities while strengthening community connections – demonstrating how thoughtful design can create lasting social value.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

“Today is an exciting step forward. This building is an example of our new SEND Strategy in action, providing earlier support, expanding local provision, and creating inclusive spaces where children with SEND feel seen, understood, and valued. Our vision is a borough where every child can thrive close to home, and this takes us closer to that goal.”

Setting New Standards for Sustainable Education

Willmott Dixon's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident throughout the project, with the facility designed to target net zero in operation and currently awaiting BREEAM Outstanding accreditation. This forward-thinking approach ensures the school remains resilient to future climate challenges, guaranteeing its ability to serve generations of Wandsworth families.

The enhanced facilities include larger, flexible classrooms and expanded outdoor learning spaces, all designed with accessibility and inclusive learning at their core – creating an environment where every student can reach their full potential.

Sarah Santos, Executive Headteacher of Paddock School, said:

“Marking this milestone in the school’s journey is a real honour. I’ve seen many changes at Paddock, but this is the most transformational. The new building reflects our deep commitment to our young people and will make a huge difference to their school experience. The learning spaces are fantastic, and the pupils are really excited. This is a space where we can nurture, inspire and transform lives. I’m so proud of our team and grateful to everyone who made this possible. The best is yet to come.”

Demonstrating Sector Expertise and Partnership Excellence

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon in the South, said:

"Today's successful handover represents more than project completion – it's about creating lasting legacy for Wandsworth's most vulnerable young people. This facility has been meticulously designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of every student, and we're honoured to contribute to their bright futures."

The successful delivery of Paddock School reinforces Willmott Dixon's growing expertise in the critical SEND education sector, joining an expanding portfolio that includes the near-completion of Oxlow Bridge SEND school in Dagenham and Hopescourt SEND school in Surrey. This specialist capability positions the company at the forefront of delivering essential infrastructure for some of society's most important educational needs.

The project also celebrates two decades of successful partnership between Willmott Dixon and SCAPE – a collaboration that continues to deliver exceptional value and outcomes for public sector clients across the UK.

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE said:

“We’re proud to have partnered with Willmott Dixon on this vital project, which will provide much needed SEND school places at a time of record demand. Through SCAPE’s Construction Framework, we were able to accelerate delivery whilst ensuring both time and cost certainty. Sustainability remains an integral part of SCAPE’s approach, and it’s fantastic to see this school designed to be net zero in operation, reducing its environmental impact and delivering long-term value for money.”

Looking Forward

With construction complete, Paddock School now embarks on its next chapter, ready to welcome students into a space purpose-built for inclusive learning and lifelong opportunity. The facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and community commitment combine to create transformational change.

This successful delivery demonstrates Willmott Dixon's continued leadership in creating educational environments that don't just meet today's needs but anticipate and prepare for tomorrow's challenges – ensuring every child in Wandsworth has the opportunity to flourish.

Key Success Metrics:
64 additional specialist education places created
Net zero operational target with BREEAM Outstanding accreditation pending
Community integration through student-run public café
20-year SCAPE partnership milestone
Growing SEND portfolio with 3 major projects delivered/nearing completion