A formal decision by the Department for Education and Kent County Council has marked a significant step forward for the development of Leigh Academy Birchwood. The project has now officially moved into the delivery phase, following a strategic review of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in the region.
This development follows recent confirmation from local authorities to prioritise the delivery of new specialist schools to meet the growing demand for places. For further context on the recent decision, you can view the full report here: Huge step forward as decision made on plans for new SEND school.
Project Overview and Purpose
Leigh Academy Birchwood is a designated SEND free school situated on the former site of Birchwood Primary School in Swanley. As an all-through academy, it is designed to serve pupils from primary through to secondary age groups. This model provides essential educational continuity and stability for students with complex learning needs, allowing them to remain in a consistent environment throughout their schooling.
The academy has been commissioned to address the acute need for specialist education in Kent, where the proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is currently higher than the national average.
Leadership and Expertise
The school will be operated by Leigh Academies Trust, which brings extensive experience in specialist education. Birchwood will join a network that includes the “Outstanding” Leigh Academy Milestone and Leigh Academy Snowfields. The academy will offer:
- A purpose-built environment tailored to complex learning requirements.
- Access to a broad pool of expertise in speech, language, and communication needs.
- A seamless pathway from early years through to adulthood preparation.
Current Status and Timeline
The project is currently focused on detailed planning, site preparation, and final regulatory approvals. Following the recent formal approval to proceed, work is underway to ensure the site is ready for construction.
While momentum has increased, a confirmed opening date for Leigh Academy Birchwood has not yet been finalised. We are committed to keeping parents, carers, and the local community informed and will provide a formal notification as soon as the opening timeline is confirmed by the Department for Education.
We will continue to provide updates here as key project milestones are reached.
