The new Southern Cross School in Northenden, Manchester will accommodate up to 120 pupils aged nine to 16, managed by The Endeavour Federation; an organisation with a proven track record of delivering high-quality education for young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
In February, members of the public were invited to a pre-planning public consultation event for the project, to be located on the site of the former Roundwood Secondary Special School. The new school will enable MCC and its partners to offer young people the dedicated and specialist educational opportunities they need, in a modern high-quality designed facility, with landscaped surroundings to add value to the local area.
Planning permission was granted, and site activity began at the end of July. To mark the start on site, the team was joined by Executive Head, Alan Braven, pupils from Southern Cross School, local councillors and members of MCC’s project team. The pupils are currently based in alternative accommodation until their new school is complete in readiness for the 2021/2022 academic year.
The team is also working with MCC on the design development for two further SEN/SEMH schools as part of a wider programme of works.