UP to 120 school places for SEND pupils will be up for grabs in south east Wiltshire next year.

This means that more Wiltshire pupils with special educational needs will be able to stay more local for their education rather than going further afield.

It comes after the Department for Education granted approval to create the Exeter House satellite school, which will be located in the grounds of the Wellington Academy site in Ludgershall.

The former boarding house on the site has been transformed into the satellite school for pupils with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities.

It will have sensory and soft play spaces, 12 classrooms plus a specialist classroom for activities such as food technology and a life skills area.

The boarding school was closed down by Wellington Academy in July 2024. The new satellite school is linked to Exeter House in Salisbury and will be named Exeter House Wellington.

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It is set to open in autumn 2026.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for education and skills at Wiltshire Council, said: “We want all our children and young people to have the choice to be educated in Wiltshire.

“We have long-term plans to create more SEND spaces, and this latest satellite school is helping us achieve this.

“Exeter House Wellington will provide 120 additional special school places in the south east of the county and will make a huge difference for pupils and their families.

“Now we have the DfE consent, we can move forward and make the final changes for opening in the autumn of 2026.”

Jackie Fieldwick, MBE, CEO Brunel Academies Trust which will manage the site said: “We are delighted to be working with Wiltshire Council to deliver 120 much-needed specialist places in Wiltshire.

“Brunel is committed to ensuring all our children and young people are given every opportunity to be engaged, inspired and empowered to lead safe and successful lives.

“This fabulous collaboration with Wiltshire Council will provide excellent opportunities for children and young people in the Tidworth and surrounding areas to be successful and happy.

“Local provision for local children and young people with additional needs that will support families and the community they live in.

“Brunel and Wiltshire Council opening doors, opening minds, and helping children and young people realise their potential.”