A significant milestone was celebrated at Paddock School, an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' school in Wandsworth for children with severe learning difficulties.

Work by contractor Willmott Dixon on its new expansion site to provide much-needed additional capacity has reaching the ‘topping out’ stage, which signifies completion of the building structure’s highest point. When complete in September 2025, it will provide more children in the borough and local area with access to education in a purpose-built environment, closer to their homes, friends, and families.

The topping out was marked by pupils and teachers from the school, as well as representatives from Willmott Dixon. Executive Headteacher Sarah Santos said:

“We are very grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making this expansion possible. The enhanced facilities in the new school will give the pupils even more opportunities for an outstanding education. We are excited to welcome the students here in the 2025/26 academic year.”

The expansion project has been eagerly anticipated and underscores the council's commitment to enhancing local education services.

Cllr Kate Stock, Wandsworth Lead Cabinet Member for Children added:

“As a Council, we are committed to ensuring that children with special educational needs have access to high quality local provision, keeping them close to their family and friends.

“I am delighted that we have been able to relocate and expand Paddock secondary and sixth form school, enabling them to offer the high-quality education and care they already provide for their pupils, to many more children in Wandsworth who need this level of support. I am so pleased to see the project moving at pace and to be here today to mark the topping out of the site I, like the families it will support, look forward to the site's completion next year."

Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon’s managing director in the South, said:

"We are proud to be part of this important project that will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of children with severe learning difficulties in Wandsworth. This topping out ceremony is a key milestone in our journey to build a facility that meets the highest standards of accessibility and quality. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Wandsworth Council as we bring this state-of-the-art learning environment to life."

Updates on the project will be regularly provided through the Wandsworth Council website and other communication channels, keeping residents informed of the progress as the school prepares to open its doors.