PUPILS with special educational needs and or disabilities in north and west Wiltshire will be part of a new school as they return to class this week.

The school, which has the working name North Wiltshire School, has been created across the St Nicholas, Chippenham, Rowdeford, near Devizes and Larkrise, in Trowbridge sites, ahead of the plans to build a new campus at Rowdeford.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “September marks the beginning of a new and exciting stage of the work together to create a new school across the three sites that supports Wiltshire children and their parents and carers, promoting inclusion and excellence in teaching and learning.”

Sean McKeown has been appointed as the interim executive head. However, the current headteachers at each site will remain the same and they will continue the day-to-day running of the schools.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children, education and skills said: “The new name and new executive headteacher role marks an important chapter in our longer term plans for special school provision in north Wiltshire.

“He will be working closely with existing staff, including the senior leadership teams of the three sites, to ensure this is a joint effort across all three sites.”

Mr McKeown said: “I am excited for the challenge of leading the school in the next few months.

“I have a strong passion for developing leaders and raising achievement for all pupils.

“Curriculum planning is at the heart of my work, ensuring that the quality of education is exceptional and providing pupils with the sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment.”

This summer it was announced Willmott Dixon will oversee the work to invest £33m to build the new school, which will provide 400 places for SEND pupils.

The council described the site as a ‘school within a school’, and said that there will be a community of small teaching clusters that will provide a range of specialist spaces, therapeutic support and quiet dining.

The school will also feature a hydrotherapy pool and outdoor learning area available to all pupils. Main construction works are expected to start next summer and be complete for September 2023.