A significant new extension at Cambridge Park Academy Sixth Form has officially opened, marking a milestone in improving educational opportunities for young people with special educational needs (SEN) in North East Lincolnshire.
The extension, delivered through support from the Department for Education High Needs Capital Grant Funding, is designed to enhance inclusive provision and expand access to specialist facilities locally.
The project has expanded the college’s capacity and transformed both its indoor and outdoor learning environments. The opening was celebrated with a small event attended by partners, council officers and local officials, who were given a guided tour of the new facilities. Guests were able to see first-hand how the extension will support learners with additional needs by providing modern, accessible and purpose‑built spaces.
The new development adds an additional extension to the site, enabling it to accommodate 14 pupils aged 16-19 along with additional staffing to support the students. It features a newly built single‑storey extension equipped with energy‑efficient technologies, including air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and 88 roof‑mounted solar panels, creating a sustainable and comfortable learning environment.
The construction firm Hobson and Porter managed the build which also introduces landscaped outdoor learning areas with specialist sensory and play equipment, a new entrance road, a safe drop‑off zone and 12 car parking spaces fitted with electric vehicle chargers.
The introduction of the new development will significantly reduce the distance that our most complex Post 16 SEN pupils need to travel to access appropriate education and/or residential placements, ensuring more young people can learn within their local area.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education said:
“Enhancing access to learning for every young person is at the heart of what we strive for, and it’s wonderful to see a local school benefitting so directly from this grant funding.
“This extension not only creates more opportunities for students with additional needs but also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that high‑quality, inclusive education is available within our own community.
“It’s fantastic to see Cambridge Park equipped with facilities that will truly support and inspire its learners.”
Steve Kernan, Principal of Cambridge Park Academy said:
“Our Post 16 extension is an exciting project which will allow our most complex and vulnerable students to stay within the local area rather than high-cost residential placements outside of the borough.
“This enables continuity for those students who are able to stay with their families and continue to thrive in an environment that is familiar to them!”
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