Work starts on new school in Shepshed

Thursday, 17 August 2023 17:07

Bowman Academy is due to open in September 2024.

Work has begun building a new school in Leicestershire.

Bowman Academy will provide support for up to 65 pupils aged five to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

Based at the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School in Shepshed, facilities will include a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and a variety of classrooms, including science and art studios.

It will also feature a music room, a sensory / immersion room and a quiet, calming room, as well as an outdoor dedicated outdoor learning area.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for Children and Families, said "It’s exciting seeing work starting on the build and we look forward to seeing it taking shape.

“This is an important part of a wider programme to ensure provision is available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the county, as close to their homes as possible.

“This includes both the building of special schools and creating provision in mainstream schools."

The school will be run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT), which heads up several schools including Foxfields Academy, a specialist SEMH school in Blaby.

James Ellis, CIT's director of SEND Education, said: “We are excited to be breaking ground here today, marking the commencement of this new state-of-the-art build.

“SEMH is a unique sector of education and requires dedicated, specialist support. Bowman Academy will provide much-needed places for children in Shepshed and the surrounding area.”

Bowman Academy is due to open in September 2024.