New Special School Approved for Peckham
Southwark Council's Executive has approved plans to relocate and expand Beormund Special School, creating 56 places for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The decision, made at a meeting on Tuesday 13 October 2026, will see the outstanding special primary school move from its current site, which is no longer fit for purpose, to a new, purpose-built facility in Peckham. The expansion will increase the school's capacity from 35 to 56 pupils, addressing a growing demand for specialist educational provision in the borough. The new school is expected to open in January 2027.
Councillor Rebecca Corn, Executive Member for Education and Care, highlighted the importance of the new facility, stating that it has been designed to foster a sense of identity and belonging
for children with SEMH needs. The bespoke design includes therapy spaces, sensory rooms, and areas for children to self-regulate. Beyond these, the new classrooms will each have their own kitchenette area, acknowledging the importance of providing for basic needs, and other spaces where they can actually calm and regulate.
The current Beormund School building has exceeded its lifespan and does not meet national standards for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The relocation to a net-zero new build facility is seen as a significant investment in supporting the borough's most vulnerable young people.
The project has followed a statutory process, including a four-week representation period where 19 individuals participated, with 17 expressing full support for the expansion and relocation. The statutory process for 'prescribed alterations' to a maintained school includes stages such as publication, representation (formal consultation), decision, referral, and implementation. Stage one (publication) was completed on September 3rd, 2026, and stage two (representation period) was from September 3rd to October 1st, 2026. The final decision was taken by the Executive in October 2026.
Concerns raised during the consultation related to transport, site security, staffing, and the impact on existing activities. To address transport concerns, a phased transition program will be delivered, including opportunities for pupils to visit and become familiar with the new environment prior to relocation. The council's approach to highways maintenance also aims to encourage sustainable transport through improvements to footways and cycleways.
Regarding site security, the new school has been designed with secure access arrangements, specialist fencing, and safeguarding measures appropriate to the needs of the pupils. CCTV arrangements will be consistent with current provision.
Staffing levels will increase in line with the growth in pupil numbers, and recruitment activity will be undertaken following final approval of the proposals.
Concerns were also raised about the impact of the relocation on existing activities, specifically mentioning swimming provision. The school and council are exploring alternative arrangements where existing activities may not be practical to continue from the new location.
The decision can be found in the Public reports pack for the Executive meeting on Tuesday 13 October 2026. Public reports pack Tuesday 13-Oct-2026 11.00 Executive