State-of-the-art Luminous Oak Academy opens in response to increasing demand for special schools

Students with additional needs will be welcomed to a new state-of-the-art special school from next week in response to increasing demand for alternative education settings.

Run by Solent Academies Trust, Luminous Oak Academy has been constructed to support 125 children aged eight to 16 years with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The two-storey Boorley Green school, which has 21 classrooms, separate wings for primary and secondary-aged pupils, a multi-use games court and a high needs facility known as the Acorn Suite, has been built in response to increasing demand for specialist school provision.

Sharon Burt, chief executive of Solent Academies Trust, said: “Opening the doors of Luminous Oak Academy is a truly special moment for our Trust and, most importantly, for our new pupils and their families.

“We have created a school where every child will feel safe, valued and understood, while being supported to discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve their aspirations. We are incredibly proud to welcome our first pupils and begin this exciting journey with them.

“My sincere thanks go to everyone who has worked so hard and collaboratively to bring this wonderful school to life. We look forward to seeing our children flourish here for many years to come.”

Designed and managed by Hampshire County Council’s in-house property services team, the school, which also features therapy rooms, fitness suites and group spaces, was built by Tilbury Douglas.

Councillor Roz Chadd, cabinet lead member for children’s services, said: “This is an exciting moment for local families and continues our commitment to providing high-quality education for all children in Hampshire, including those with special educational needs (SEN).

“This new school responds to growing demand for SEMH provision in the local area and will support more children with these very particular needs to receive the tailored support and education they deserve, much closer to home.

“A huge thank you to all those involved including our Property Services and Children’s Services teams, our construction partners at Tilbury Douglas, and everyone at Solent Academies Trust. The school is a vibrant, thoughtfully created space designed with pupils’ needs fully in mind, and will inspire future generations for many years to come.”