Key handover at Paddock School marks a step forward for Wandsworth’s SEND offer
Published: Friday, August 1, 2025
The keys have officially been handed over for the new Paddock Secondary and Sixth Form School building located on Broadwater Road Tooting, a major milestone in Wandsworth Council’s efforts to expand high-quality, local specialist education for children and young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
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The purpose-built facility, designed with accessibility and learning at its heart, will open to students at the start of the 2025/26 academic year. It will allow Paddock School to welcome more pupils in a fully inclusive environment and plays a central role in the Council’s wider SEND strategy. Built to be Net-Zero, the building is free from reliance on fossil fuels and built for longevity, ensuring that Paddock can provide a high level of education for the local community for years to come.
A celebratory ceremony marked the completion of the construction phase today (1 August), with preparations now underway to transition staff and students into the building in September.
Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Today is an exciting step forward. This building is an example of our new SEND Strategy in action, providing earlier support, expanding local provision, and creating inclusive spaces where children with SEND feel seen, understood, and valued. Our vision is a borough where every child can thrive close to home, and this takes us closer to that goal.”
The expansion of Paddock School is part of a long-term investment in specialist education, aimed at increasing high-quality local placements and reducing the need for children to travel outside the borough for appropriate support.
Sarah Santos, Executive Headteacher of Paddock School, said: “Marking this milestone in the school’s journey is a real honour. I’ve seen many changes at Paddock, but this is the most transformational. The new building reflects our deep commitment to our young people and will make a huge difference to their school experience. The learning spaces are fantastic, and the pupils are really excited. This is a space where we can nurture, inspire and transform lives. I’m so proud of our team and grateful to everyone who made this possible. The best is yet to come.”
Launched earlier this year, the council’s new SEND Strategy is built around four priorities: early intervention, inclusive education, smooth transitions to adulthood, and strong partnerships with families. It was co-produced with parents, educators, and health professionals to reflect the real experiences of local families and a shared drive for change.
With construction now complete, the school is preparing for its next chapter, welcoming students into a space built to support inclusive learning and lifelong opportunity for every child in Wandsworth.
