A brand new school for children with special education needs and development has been given the green light to open in Greenwich.

The council’s planning committee has approved the redevelopment of the former Kidbrooke Park Primary School site in Hargood road to accommodate a new “multi-million pound, purpose built special school”.

It is set to be named Rowan Wood School and will be run by the Compass Partnership of Schools, which also runs 14 other schools.

Rowan Wood School will open its doors in 2025/26 and will cater to children aged five to 19 years of age who have been diagnosed with autism and complex learning needs.

The Hargood Road site will accommodate the secondary and sixth form campus of the new school while the primary campus will be developed on an alternative site within the borough.

Its location is yet to be confirmed.

As part of the pre-opening stage, the Compass Partnership of Schools will be holding a statutory consultation between September 16 and October 28.

The consultation will allow stakeholders and interested parties to learn more about Rowan Wood School and to share their views.

As part of the consultation, two public consultation events are also planned, further information about these ca be found on the Compass Partnership of Schools’ website.

Rachel Harrison, Director of Special Schools and Special School Outreach for the Compass Partnership of Schools, said: “We are excited to be opening Rowan Wood School, which will cater for up to 240 primary and secondary aged learners and help to meet the increased demand for special school places in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

“We have an extremely strong track record and reputation for excellence in provision for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

“Rowan Wood will have a positive impact, not just on the children and young people who attend, but also the schools and communities from which they are drawn.”