New specialist school for SEMH pupils opened

A specialist school for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs has opened in Shepshed, Leicestershire.

Located on the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School on Loughborough Road, Bowman Academy offers tailored facilities, including practical learning areas, a sensory “dark room,” a kitchen, a library, a calming room, and a main hall.

Designed to meet SEMH learning requirements, the new SEND school accommodates 64 pupils.

It features 16 primary-aged students in two ground-floor classrooms, while the remaining 48 secondary-aged students are divided between two ground-floor classrooms and four on the first floor. The first floor also includes three additional practical-use classrooms.

The scheme was designed by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, with architectural services provided to main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, selected by the Department for Education (DfE) under the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC1) framework.

Students aged 4-16 will be welcomed from September 2024.

Joe West, associate at Pick Everard, said: “Working on SEND schools is always a privilege, with unique design applications and special consideration for the needs of a diverse range of learning. Creating an environment that is both functional and comfortable for pupils was central to the aims of the project, which should in turn aid the school in attracting and retaining students in the area.

“The construction technique employed on this project was a fully offsite solution, so thorough sequencing and planning was paramount to ensure all materials were delivered safely and successfully, as well as meeting the highest standards. We’re delighted to have worked alongside Bowmer + Kirkland once again to deliver this
fantastic academy for pupils in the area with SEMH needs.”

James Ellis, CIT’s director of SEND education, said, “This is a very exciting time for Bowman Academy. SEMH is a unique sector of education requiring distinctive building design to support the delivery of specialist teaching and care for pupils. We look forward to welcoming children in Shepshed and the surrounding area to our new
setting and supporting them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to help them thrive in adult life.”