£1 million boost to create 50 more specialist school places

More children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be able to learn closer to home, thanks to a £1million investment creating around 50 additional specialist school places in Brent.

The council’s Cabinet has today (7 September) approved a £1 million investment to expand Phoenix Arch Special School in Wembley. The new Phoenix Arch Strathcona satellite site will be created at the Strathcona site, providing specialist education for primary-aged children with autism, including some children with learning disabilities.

The new provision is expected to welcome its first pupils when it opens in September 2027, subject to building works and final approvals.

Cllr Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Employment and Climate Action, said: “Every child deserves a good education that meets their needs close to home. These new places will mean more children with autism can go to school in Brent, stay part of their local community and avoid long daily journeys.

“Phoenix Arch has skilled and experienced staff, and this expansion will help more families get the right support locally.”

The expansion will give more Brent children the opportunity to access high-quality specialist education closer to home, helping families avoid long journeys and reducing reliance on schools outside the borough.

Around 4,420 children and young people in Brent had an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in July 2026 – a 10% increase on the previous year. Communication and interaction needs, including autism, are the most common primary area of need, accounting for 58% of children and young people with an EHCP.

The capital investment will be funded through Department for Education High Needs Capital grant funding. Once fully operational, the new provision is expected to deliver around £1.05 million in annual cost avoidance, by reducing reliance on higher-cost independent and out-of-borough placements.

The decision follows a formal consultation held from 30 June to 27 July. Three
written responses were received, including support for the proposal because it would improve local services and reduce travel times for children. A concern raised about traffic and parking will be considered as the plans for the site are developed.