In pictures: Extension at special school in Northamptonshire officially opens as places nearly double

The Gateway School in Tiffield, near Towcester, had been undergoing major works to expand its provision and it officially opened on Wednesday November 19, following a ribbon cutting event led by the Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs Alexandra Williams and Tobias, a Gateway School student.

The school, which is part of the Creating Tomorrow Trust, is a special secondary school for children aged 11-16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), whose primary need is linked to social, emotional and/or mental health (SEMH).

Following £5.5 million of investment from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), an abandoned building was transformed and facilities at the school now include a gym, food technology suite, ICT and science rooms, drama studio, nurture spaces, a multi-use games area (MUGA), horticulture area, and a newly refurbished sports hall and pool. The school also already had specialist areas for craft design and technology (CDT), art, music, motor vehicles, bricklaying and hair and beauty.

The extension has also created an additional 55 places at the school, which takes the total places to 118 – nearly double the amount from before the refurbishment.

Conor Renihan, Executive Head at The Gateway School, said: "We’re delighted to have these brilliant new spaces, which have been designed to meet the evolving needs of our students.

"This expansion allows us to offer a richer, more diverse curriculum and a nurturing environment where every pupil can feel valued and supported.

"The positive impact on students since September is already evident and will only continue to grow as the facilities become fully embedded in daily school life.”

Councillor Kathryn Shaw, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council, added: "This expansion is a vital investment in our young people’s futures.

"The enhanced facilities at The Gateway School are already providing greater support for young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them thrive both academically and personally.

"It is really encouraging to see the difference these facilities are making and I’d like to share a huge thanks to all involved in making it happen.”

A new purpose built special school – Tiffield Academy – also opened its doors earlier this year, providing more SEND places.

Take a look around the new facilities at The Gateway School with the pictures below.