Acre Wood Academy

Across East Sussex, demand for school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen significantly, placing increasing pressure on existing schools. To meet this need, Acre Wood Academy, part of London South East Academies Trust', is being reorganised and expanded by bringing together its primary and secondary phases on one site. The new building will provide specialist education for 60 pupils aged 11–16 adjacent to the existing primary phase accommodation which will remain fully operational throughout construction.

The site, while constrained by existing trees, ecology, topography, limited access and its proximity to surrounding homes, also offers several advantages, including a south-facing slope, provision for nature-based learning, and close links to Crowborough town centre and surrounding roads.

Designed in consultation with East Sussex County Council and pupils, the school will offer:

• Safe and secure outdoor areas tailored for pupils with a range of learning difficulties, physical disabilities and sensory impairments
• Level, ramped or lift access throughout the building
• Distinct external spaces for younger and older students
• Covered breakout areas directly linked to teaching spaces
• External PE and social areas
• A safe and managed drop-off zone for a variety of vehicle types
• Retention of as many existing trees as possible
• Design solutions that respond to the site’s topography while maximising usable space

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of our Construction South region, commented:

“We’re proud to be delivering a project that will have such a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. Acre Wood Academy has been carefully designed to meet the complex and varied needs of its future pupils, while also responding sensitively to the constraints and opportunities of the site. As a team we have extensive experience in the SEN and SEND sector, creating high-quality, inclusive environments where pupils can thrive. We are delighted to be partnering with East Sussex County Council to ensure the school will support families for years to come."

Acre Wood Academy will be the second special school project built for East Sussex County Council by Willmott Dixon, with Ropemakers Academy completed in 2021.

The project buildings on Willmott Dixon extensive SEND school experience with recent projects including Paddock SEND, Hopes Court SEND, and Silverwood SEND just a few recently completed projects in the sector.