The Promise School, Okehampton

Creating a Learning Environment for Specialist Education

The Promise School is a specialist school that provides 100 much-needed places for primary and secondary pupils with SEND needs, including those on the autism spectrum. Designed and built with inclusivity at its core, the school enables tailored education on a one-on-one basis while also fostering independence, life skills, and confidence for students who struggle in mainstream settings.

A thoughtfully designed and inclusive space, it offers a range of specialist facilities to support the unique needs of its students.

• Hygiene rooms, therapy and parents' spaces, and calm rooms.
• Subject-specific teaching spaces for art, PE, and food technology, promoting holistic development.
• A large, canopied outdoor area designed for teaching, mentoring, and mental wellness, offering students the flexibility to learn in different environments.
• Optimised acoustics, lighting, and ventilation to support students with sensory processing needs.

A standout feature is the food technology kitchen and dining space, which not only serves as a social hub but also enables students to develop confidence and life skills through weekly cookery lessons. The kitchen includes a serving area where students can prepare and serve meals, enhancing their social and employability skills.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

The Promise School has taken part in the Let's Go Zero campaign, which helps schools set and achieve net-zero targets.

• 137 roof-mounted PV panels produce 47,150 kWh of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by 20 tonnes per year.
• Air Handling and Heat Recovery Units enhance energy efficiency and provide a comfortable learning environment.
• Sustainable materials, including a highly insulated timber frame and Siberian larch cladding, contribute to a 40% carbon saving compared to traditional designs.
• Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) minimises local flood risks by managing surface water runoff efficiently.
• 99.4% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, with 700m3 of soil repurposed from Exeter City Football Club’s training ground.

Social and Economic Impact

• 72.26% of project spend was within 30 miles of Okehampton, boosting the local economy.

Overcoming Challenges

Delivering a high-quality learning environment for SEND students required careful planning and collaboration. One key challenge was an unseasonably wet winter and spring, which delayed the completion of the school’s playing fields and external works. This was critical as secure boundaries are essential for students’ safety.

By leveraging strong local relationships, the team swiftly resolved these issues to ensure a successful and timely handover.

A Lasting Legacy

With a Net Promoter Score of 10/10 from the headteacher, The Promise School has quickly established itself as a beacon of specialist education in West Devon. As the student population continues to grow, the school provides a vital space for some of the area’s most vulnerable young people, supporting their education, confidence, and future prospects.

Customer Feedback

"There’s a lot of students there that had nowhere else to go. I think there’s a lot of parents that are extremely grateful that this school has been built... there are lots of students that are really enjoying being a part of that school."

Headteacher, The Promise School