Greenwich Council has approved the use of the former Gallions Mount Primary School site for a new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school.
The decision, made at the Cabinet meeting on 19 November 2025, will see the Purrett Road site transformed into the primary phase of Rowan Wood School, an all-through free school. This move aims to address the growing demand for specialist places in the borough for children and young people with SEND. In addition to Rowan Wood School, the council is also planning a new Transition Learning Centre (TLC) for young people aged 19–25 at Bexley Road, further expanding SEND provisions in the borough.
The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Place and Growth, in consultation with the Lead Member for Children and Young People, Director of Children’s Services, Director of Legal and Democratic Services and Director of Finance, to negotiate and agree the specific terms for transferring the former Gallions Mount site under a 125-year academy lease at peppercorn rent to Compass Partnership of Schools, the approved provider of Rowan Wood All-Through School, in line with all relevant statutory requirements as set out by the DfE. The specific terms of the lease are subject to negotiation and agreement by the Director of Place and Growth and other directors.
The secondary and sixth-form phase of Rowan Wood, is being delivered at Hargood Road SE3 (a former primary school site) for operation in the 2025/26 academic year. The School Place Planning and Capital Programme 202526 - 202728 was also discussed at the meeting.
