Ribbon-cutting marks opening of new Ipswich SEND school

Representatives from SEH French were delighted to attend the official opening of a new Ipswich SEND unit following its successful construction.

The new unit at Ipswich Academy was delivered by our team, in partnership with Concertus, Suffolk County Council and the Paradigm Trust.

Construction on the project began in May 2025, before its completion in early 2026.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony including representatives from all project partners was hosted at the school in March.

Neil Pryke, our Contracts Manager who led on the project, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working on this project. 

“It’s safe to say the children now have great classroom spaces, which I’m sure they will enjoy. 

“From a site management perspective, we could not have asked for a better client in terms of their support and genuine interest in the project. 

“We wish the school and its pupils the very best in their new space.”

Complete with classrooms, play spaces and accessible facilities, the single-storey building will provide much-needed, purpose-designed spaces for 24 Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with cognition and learning difficulties. 

Alongside the inside spaces, a dedicated planting bed has been incorporated into the new outdoor play area, enabling pupils to grow and care for their own plants.

Adam Wilding, Principal at Ipswich Academy, said: “When the opportunity arose to host a new Specialist Education Unit (SEU) at Ipswich Academy, we didn’t hesitate. 

“We are deeply committed to being a truly inclusive school and proud to partner with the local authority to provide these much-needed specialist places. 

“While the provision within the SEU is bespoke for its 24 students, they are first and foremost members of Ipswich Academy. 

“Our goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of their starting point, feels they belong and has the support they need to thrive.”

Sean Jeffries, Principal Architect at Concertus, added: “Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to create a nurturing, inclusive space that supports learning, wellbeing and independence. 

“The result is a building that responds directly to the needs of both pupils and staff.”

To discover more of our projects in the education sector, click here.