New Bury St Edmunds SEND school, Sir Peter Hall School, opens its doors to its first students

The headteachers of Suffolk’s newest SEND school have spoken of their pride after opening last month.

The Sir Peter Hall School on Moreton Hall in Bury St Edmunds has opened its doors to students, aged nine to 16, with school leaders saying they are delighted with the start they have made.

Suffolk County Council has spent in the region of £8 million on the project, as part of its investment into increasing specialist education places across the county.

In a joint statement, headteachers Catharine Wensley and Jo Pettingale, said: “Opening a brand new school brings with it a sense of excitement among students, families and staff alike.

“And that has certainly been the case with the Sir Peter Hall School. It is an honour to be leading this much-needed school and we can’t wait to work with our entire school community going forward.”

The school, which is based on Airfield Road, will have an initial intake of 40 students, building to 80 students over the next three years.

The joint headteachers added: “We have had a great first few weeks with everyone settling in very quickly.

“As symbolised by our logo of the caring hands and the book, we combine academic subjects, in line with the national curriculum, with a bespoke, nurturing environment to prepare our learners to lead fulfilling lives.”

The school, opened by the Unity Schools Partnership, has been built by Suffolk County Council as part of their significant investment into increasing SEND (special educational needs and disability) places across the county.

The school was named after celebrated theatre, opera and film director Sir Peter Hall, who was born in the town and founded the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Cllr Rachel Hood, cabinet member for education, SEND and skills, said: “Suffolk County Council are thrilled to be working with Unity School’s Partnership to provide 80 places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

"This much-needed provision is part of our commitment and significant financial investment to deliver additional specialist places throughout the county.

"We are grateful for Concertus and Morgan Sindall for delivering this purpose-built building, on schedule, which is providing a good learning environment for our students."