Oxfordshire: Construction of new school is under way

The Department for Education, in partnership with The Gallery Trust, is transforming the site of the former Faringdon Infant School into a “state-of-the-art” SEND school.

When complete, Artemis Academy will offer a therapeutic day education for children and young people aged 7–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC).

A steel-signing ceremony brought together representatives from the Department for Education, Oxfordshire County Council, The Gallery Trust and construction partners Tilbury Douglas and Turner & Townsend.

Artemis Academy will be part of The Gallery Trust, a multi-academy trust dedicated to providing outstanding education for children with SEND.

Opening in early 2027 with approximately 30 pupils, the school will grow gradually to a capacity of 100 pupils providing tailored support to meet the needs of each learner. 

All pupils will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Last month, the Trust’s Bardwell School in Bicester received a ‘highly positive’ Ofsted report in which it was judged to have met the strong standard in all eight categories.

Laura Dennis has taken up the role of principal designate and has begun shaping the school’s vision and developing the curriculum.

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Laura Dennis has been appointed Principal Designate (Image: The Gallery Trust)

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed Artemis Academy’s principal designate. 

“To be involved in the foundation of the school is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to creating a school which achieves the very best outcomes for pupils. 

“Through high-quality teaching, strong relationships and integrated therapeutic support, we will ensure that every interaction and experience is a learning opportunity.

“It is great to see our new building start to come to life.

“Once complete, it will offer an inspirational learning environment for all our pupils and I can’t wait to welcome our first pupils through the doors early next year.”

Artemis Academy’s approach will “combine high-quality teaching, integrated therapeutic practice and strong, trusting relationships”. 

Therapeutic practices will underpin the school’s approach which means it will have its own dedicated team of clinicians. 

The clinicians, which will include Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists, will ensure pupils’ social and emotional needs are met so they can engage fully with the curriculum. 

Kay Willet MBE, chief executive of The Gallery Trust, said: “Artemis Academy will build on the success of our other schools and will give children and young people with SEND in this part of Oxfordshire the education and support they need to flourish.

“In Laura Dennis we have found a dynamic and inspirational school leader and we are excited to keep developing the vision for this school which will become a pioneer in specialist education.”