A new special educational needs (SEN) school is set to open.

An application to build a new all-through SEN free school in Swanley on the Birchwood Community Primary School site, off Russett Way, has been approved by the Department for Education today.

The Leigh Academies Trust (LAT), which put forward the application, will be adding to its portfolio of special schools including Milestone in New Ash Green and Snowfields in Maidstone, both judged outstanding by schools’ regulator Ofsted.

Provisionally named Leigh Academy Swanley (LAS), the new school is expected to open in September 2026, subject to planning permission.

Making the announcement, Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan said: “Special schools can truly transform children’s lives, enabling pupils with special education needs and disabilities to thrive in environments that meet their needs.

“We’re creating tens of thousands of special school places since 2010 and today’s announcement takes us one step closer to our commitment of a record 60,000 more places for children with additional needs.

“I know how hard it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and the creation of more brilliant special schools is just one part of our plan to make sure every family and every child get the right support, in the right place at the right time.”

“Our existing special schools… are bastions of excellence for special needs in their communities…”

Simon Beamish, LAT chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be amongst one of seven multi-academy trusts in England to be approved to open a brand new SEN free school today.

“We have a strong track record of opening successful start-up schools, having done so on seven occasions already.

“LAT is firmly committed to making sure that children with special education needs and disabilities receive the best education possible.

“Our existing special schools (Milestone and Snowfields) and in time Leigh Academy Swanley, are bastions of excellence for special needs in their communities.

“Not only do they provide excellent education and care for their own children, but they also have a profoundly positive impact across the sector.

“We can’t wait to get started with implementing our plans for LAS.”