The investment will fund 104 new specialist places across 11 mainstream schools and up to 24 additional places at The Mendip School. These dedicated spaces will allow children to receive specialised teaching and support while remaining integrated within their wider school community.
The 11 mainstream schools proposed for new provision are: Avishayes Community Primary School in Chard, Blackbrook Primary School in Taunton, Court Fields School in Wellington, Fairlands Middle School in Cheddar, Herne View Church of England Primary School in Ilminster, Maiden Beech Academy in Crewkerne, St Benedict’s Church of England VA Junior School in Glastonbury, St John’s Church of England VC Infants School in Glastonbury, West Monkton Church of England School in Bathpool, Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet, and Woolavington Village Primary School in Woolavington.
In addition to new specialist spaces, plans include making more schools accessible for children with disabilities or medical needs. Improvements will involve installing ramps, lifts, hygiene rooms, and other specialist facilities.
From 2027 to 2030, 42 new inclusion support bases are also planned. These bases will offer additional help for children struggling to access education, including those who may not require an Education, Health and Care Plan. Further plans are in place for more alternative provision in Frome and West Somerset.
The proposals have received approval from Somerset Council’s Executive, with more detailed planning to follow before individual projects are confirmed.
