Hawthorns SEND School
Key Project Overview
- Capacity: Designed for 220 pupil places. The school caters towards children aged 4–11 with complex needs, including autism spectrum disorder, moderate learning difficulties, severe autism, emotional dysregulation, and other SEND requirements. This represents a significant expansion from the previous site’s ~60 places (originally, with growth to around 140 before relocation).
- Building Specifications: A standalone, bespoke single-storey facility with a gross internal floor area of approximately 4,038 m² (often rounded to c.4,000 m²). Classrooms are arranged in two main wings for easy navigation, with specialized zones including:
- 4 early years (EYFS) classrooms
- 12 autism-specific classrooms
- 9 for moderate learning difficulties
- Additional areas: library, sports hall, sensory rooms/gardens, art/drama spaces, design & technology (D&T), ICT, life skills rooms, large outdoor play/provision spaces per classroom, a full-size grass pitch, 3G pitch, and parking with EV charging.
- Sustainability Ratings:
- Constructed to achieve BREEAM Excellent.
- Stage 4 design (technical design phase) targeted an EPC rating of ‘A’ (excellent energy performance certificate, indicating very low energy use and high efficiency).
- Features energy-efficient design, solar panels, Air source HP’s, low-waste construction, and alignment with Tameside Council’s Net Zero by 2038 goals. The calming, non-intimidating design/materials support pupil wellbeing.
This project has been highlighted for inclusive design (e.g., shortlisted for awards like Education Estates Awards 2025 Project of the Year – Inclusive Design) and its role in addressing local SEND provision needs.
