Oxford special primary school to get major investment

Expansion of Blackbird Leys’ Mabel Prichard Special School in Cuddesdon Way will be achieved by remodelling and refurbishing the recently vacated foundation stage accommodation at Orchard Meadow Primary School, on the same site.

The project will deliver three new classrooms, pupil toilets, a group room and ancillary accommodation.

Plans also include the creation of an improved entrance, office space, staff room and supporting accommodation.

It will also provide additional car parking and enhanced highway access to the school.

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A full business case is due to be submitted for approval by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet in August 2026, with an estimated total capital budget exceeding £2m.

Councillor Sean Gaul (Image: Sean Gaul)

Mabel Prichard Special School is managed by the Gallery Trust, which will deliver this project using funding provided by the county council.

Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, said: “We’re determined to continue investing in services for Oxfordshire’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children and this commitment is reflected in these exciting plans for Mabel Prichard Special School.

“This will be a partnership approach, working with families, the academy trust, and communities to make a difference to the way children and young people get the support they deserve to help them thrive.”

Pupils and staff at Grove Church of England Primary School are set to benefit from a £9.4 million investment in new buildings and improvements, too.

Grove CE Primary School is an academy managed by Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, who are delivering this project using funding provided by the county council.

County councillor Dan Levy (Image: Newsquest)

A major building project will expand the school’s capacity from 210 to 315 primary pupil places, plus 39 new nursery places.

The budget for this project was approved in an outline business case in June 2025, with the full business case scheduled for consideration within a few months’ time.

The project will be managed by the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, which is responsible for the school, working in partnership with the county council and David Wilson Homes, who is delivering a new housing development in the north of Grove.

Faringdon Community College will also get a new building with seven classrooms, a hall, kitchen, main reception area and staff accommodation.

The existing building will be remodelled to create accommodation for nursery and reception aged pupils.

David Wilson Homes will provide the council with additional land to facilitate this school expansion.

On the additional land will be a full-sized all-weather sports pitch, and a new main entrance into the school site with parking for staff and visitors.

Work on the new building is due to start in February 2027.

Cambrian Learning Trust is delivering the project using funding provided by the county council.