Work progressing to build multi-million pound special school in Dudley
Work is progressing to build a new multi-million pound school in Dudley for special needs children.
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Classrooms, dining and nurses rooms are among the facilities currently taking shape at the new Pens Meadow School in Pensnett, which is expected to be complete this summer.
It will provide education for up to 155 children and young people aged between three and 19 and feature a specialist nursery assessment unit for youngsters in borough.
Dudley Council said the school will deliver "better facilities" for pupils for complex needs and severe learning difficulties, including autism and those with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
It will boast a modern hydrotherapy pool, while a large trampoline sunk into the floor is among the facilities already in place to promote exercise and help pupils develop motor skills.
The school will also feature therapy rooms, outdoor teaching and play areas, a forest school area and 14 larger classrooms where the layouts can be adapted for children with additional needs.
Marie Hunter, headteacher of Pens Meadow School, said: “We recently ventured inside our new school. It was amazing to see the progress, sizes of the rooms and specialist areas.
“The home learning room is huge and the rebound room and hydrotherapy pool will offer amazing opportunities for pupils with physical needs."
The school, which Dudley Council previously said it had invested £15m in, is expected to be fully operational in January 2026 though there will be a phased transition to the site for some pupils starting this autumn.
Councillor David Stanley, cabinet Member for children’s services at the local authority, said: “I'm delighted with the progress of the build. The new Pens Meadow School will once complete be an asset to the borough.
"I look forward to welcoming the children to their outstanding new facilities soon.”
Wombourne-based construction company, Interclass, is building the new school.
Managing director of the business, Des O'Neill, said: "We're excited to bring this cutting-edge facility to life and achieving the milestone of making the building weather-tight is a significant step forward.
"We look forward to seeing how these new facilities will positively impact both the students and the broader community for years to come."
