Groundbreaking event celebrates £24.5m expansion of Luton SEN secondary school

A groundbreaking event was held on Monday 19 October at the new site in Kestrel Way, to mark the latest construction milestone. 

The expansion of Woodlands onto a second site will create up to 120 additional specialist school places for children, helping Luton Council meet growing demand.

It will also make specialist provision available closer to home for some families living in the west of Luton. 

The two-storey building will include 14 modern classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, gym, and a specialist kitchen, all designed to support young people with additional needs. 

Externally, the project includes three playgrounds, three outdoor teaching spaces, and a 60-space car park featuring six electric vehicle charging bays and five disabled parking spaces. 

The new site is planned to open in autumn 2027 and, once fully operational, will increase the school's capacity to up to 385 pupils across its two sites. 

Senior council leaders and representatives from the school and construction partner Morgan Sindall Construction gathered at the site to put the symbolic first spade in the ground. 

Councillor Amjid Ali, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Demand for specialist school places in the town has grown, and our existing provision is under increasing pressure. 

“We’re building on the success of a school that already has a strong track record, and this expansion means more young people will have the opportunity to benefit from the education and support the school provides.

 “This investment is about helping more children fulfil their potential and giving their families confidence that the right specialist provision is available in Luton.” 

Rod Pavey, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said: “There is a growing need for specialist school places in Luton, and this project is an important step in helping to meet that demand. 

“It brings us great pride to begin construction of this school facility, working with Luton Council to bring this vision to life. And we can’t wait to get to know the community along the way!”