A special school in Willenhall is set to benefit from a new teaching block, making way for an extra 50 pupils. Walsall Council submitted the application for Shepwell School on Bilston Lane back in 2024. Now approved, the facility will include five new classrooms in a two-storey teaching block, a new outdoor multi-use games area, and solar panels installed on the roof.
Addressing the Shortfall in SEND Places
The Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school, first built in the 1970s, was recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. It offers facilities for pupils aged 11 to 16 who have social, emotional, and complex educational needs. Once complete, the development will increase capacity from 84 to 134 places and will also create an additional 11 full-time jobs.
Agent Lungfish Architects stated: “Throughout Walsall Council, the demand for SEND school placements and support services in the area has been steadily increasing, driven by factors such as population growth, increased awareness of SEND, and improved identification and assessment processes. The additional 50 places will contribute to addressing the existing shortfall of SEND school places that exists throughout Walsall.”
The approval marks a significant step in improving educational facilities for children with special needs in the region.
