New Brent SEND Schools: St Margaret’s 2026 

Key Points

• Children and young people in Brent with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will benefit from an increase in specialist school support through new facilities in mainstream schools.
• New facilities recently opened at St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School, with others at Newman Catholic College and Preston Park Primary School, collectively creating dozens of additional SEND places.
• These expansions address rising demand for SEND provision, enabling more children to access support closer to home rather than outside the borough.
• Each school features dedicated facilities including new classrooms, sensory rooms, therapy spaces, and specialist staff areas.
• Improvements include enhanced outdoor areas such as landscaped spaces and covered learning zones for play, sensory development, and outdoor education.
• Developments form part of Brent Council’s strategy to meet growing SEND demand and provide community-based support.
• Cllr Gwen Grahl, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, praised the expansions as a vital step supported by government SEND reforms.
• New buildings integrate with existing school environments, use modern construction methods and low-carbon materials for sustainability.
• Programme delivers community benefits like local employment opportunities and engagement with schools and colleges.

Wembley, Brent (North London News) March 30, 2026 – Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Brent are set to gain from expanded specialist school support, as new facilities open in mainstream schools across the borough. These developments at St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School, Newman Catholic College, and Preston Park Primary School will create dozens of additional SEND places, addressing rising demand and keeping support local.

The initiative responds to increasing needs for specialised education, ensuring pupils can access tailored help without travelling outside Brent. Each site now boasts dedicated classrooms, sensory rooms, therapy spaces, and staff areas designed specifically for pupils with additional needs.

What new facilities have been added at St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School?

At St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School, the new facilities were recently opened, marking an immediate boost to local SEND capacity.

These enhancements include purpose-built classrooms and sensory rooms tailored for pupils requiring extra support. Improved outdoor areas feature landscaped spaces and covered learning zones, promoting play, sensory development, and outdoor education.

As part of Brent Council’s broader programme, these additions integrate seamlessly with the existing school environment. The design emphasises sustainability through modern construction methods and low-carbon materials, reducing environmental impact while enhancing pupil wellbeing.

How will Newman Catholic College support more SEND pupils?

Newman Catholic College is among the key sites receiving expansions to create additional SEND places. The new facilities here mirror those at other schools, with dedicated therapy spaces and specialist staff areas to meet diverse pupil needs.

Collective efforts across the three schools will deliver dozens of extra places, helping to alleviate pressure on out-of-borough placements.

The developments also introduce better outdoor provisions, including covered zones for safe, engaging activities. This aligns with Brent Council’s commitment to community-based support, as outlined in their efforts to tackle growing SEND demand.

What changes are coming to Preston Park Primary School?

Preston Park Primary School will benefit from similar upgrades, featuring new classrooms and sensory rooms alongside enhanced outdoor learning areas.

These spaces aim to foster an inclusive environment where SEND pupils can thrive alongside peers. The expansions collectively respond to the rising need for specialist provision in Brent.

Across all sites, the programme has generated wider community benefits. Local employment opportunities have arisen during construction, and partnerships with schools and colleges have supported both current pupils and future generations.

Why is Brent Council expanding SEND provision now?

Brent Council is addressing a surge in demand for SEND support through these targeted expansions. By embedding specialist facilities within mainstream schools, the authority aims to offer high-quality, local education rather than relying on distant placements.

This approach keeps families closer to home and reduces logistical burdens.

The initiative forms a core part of the council’s strategy to enhance community-based services. It reflects wider efforts to integrate SEND pupils into familiar settings, promoting inclusion and long-term success.

How do these expansions align with government reforms?

As reported in coverage of Brent’s education initiatives, Cllr Gwen Grahl, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, stated:

“Expanding SEND provision across Brent is a vital step in ensuring that every child has access to the support they need to succeed. Supported by wider government SEND reforms, these new facilities will make a real difference to families across the borough, providing high-quality, inclusive environments where pupils feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.”

These reforms, backed by national policy, emphasise sustainable, local solutions. Brent’s projects incorporate low-carbon materials and efficient building techniques, aligning with environmental goals while prioritising pupil needs.

What community benefits have arisen from the programme?

Beyond new learning spaces, the expansions have spurred local economic gains. Construction work created employment for borough residents, boosting the economy. Engagement with local schools and colleges has fostered skills development, benefiting pupils now and in the future.

These ripple effects underscore the programme’s holistic impact. By investing in infrastructure, Brent Council supports not just education but also community resilience.

How do the new outdoor areas benefit SEND pupils?

Improved outdoor spaces at all three schools include landscaped areas and covered learning zones. These provisions enable safe play, sensory stimulation, and outdoor education—crucial for SEND development. Pupils gain opportunities to explore in stimulating environments tailored to their needs.

Such enhancements promote physical and emotional growth, integrating seamlessly with indoor facilities. They reflect a pupil-centred design philosophy, enhancing overall school experiences.

What is the capacity increase from these developments?

Collectively, the three schools will add dozens of SEND places, though exact figures per site remain tied to ongoing assessments. This boost directly tackles capacity shortfalls, ensuring more children receive timely support. Demand has risen steadily, prompting these proactive measures.

By distributing places across Wembley and surrounding areas, the council optimises access for Brent families.

Are there plans for further SEND expansions in Brent?

While specifics on future phases are not detailed, Brent Council’s programme signals ongoing commitment. The current successes at St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School, Newman Catholic College, and Preston Park Primary School set a precedent. Continued alignment with government reforms suggests more investments ahead.

Sustainability features, like energy-efficient designs, position these schools as models for replication.

How do the facilities integrate with mainstream schooling?

Designers ensured new buildings blend with existing structures, avoiding disruption. Specialist areas—classrooms, sensory rooms, therapy spaces—coexist with general facilities, fostering inclusion. Specialist staff will operate from dedicated zones, supporting seamless integration.

This model benefits all pupils, promoting understanding and empathy within the school community.

What role do sustainability goals play in the builds?

Modern methods and low-carbon materials minimise environmental footprints. Structures prioritise energy efficiency, aligning with Brent’s green ambitions. These choices ensure long-term viability while delivering immediate educational gains.

The approach exemplifies responsible development, balancing pupil needs with planetary care.