Merton is to benefit from a new special free school as part of an initiative announced by the Department for Education (DfE) today.

More than 120 school places will be created as a result of the new provision which saw Merton chosen as one of seven local authorities from across the country to benefit from the national programme. It is expected that the new school can open by September 2026.

However, Merton Council is working closely with the DfE on options and are positive that a solution can meet the timescale for opening. For commercial reasons any site option has to be kept confidential at this point.

The new school is part of Merton’s strategy to provide more local specialist places to meet demand. It follows the opening in September 2022 of the Whatley Campus of Melrose College, creating more than 80 new school places for children with Autism and Communication Needs in a former school building in Raynes Park.

Councillor Sally Kenny, Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen for central government funding of a new SEND school in the borough.

“We recognise that here is an urgent need to provide more school places in the borough for the increasing number of pupils with complex needs – as we have shown through increased local funding.

“Ensuring that these children get the best possible education is a key priority for the council.”