Expansion of North Northamptonshire SEND primary school agreed

25 July 2024

Child playing

Executive members at North Northamptonshire Council have agreed to expand Rowan Gate Primary School onto the former Wilby School CEVA Primary School site.

Rowan Gate Primary School is a community day special school for pupils from four years of age and accommodates children with:  

  • Cognition and Learning Needs (Severe Learning Disabilities)  
  • Communication and Interaction Needs (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

Children may also have:  

  • Sensory and/or Physical Needs  
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SLCN)  
  • Complex medical needs 

The school will initially accommodate up to 30 pupils in Reception to Year 1. 

At an Executive Meeting on Thursday 11 July it was agreed that refurbishments of the Wilby School building, once vacated in July 2024, will progress so that the school can move in ready for the start of the school term in September 2024. 

In November last year when the Executive approved Wilby School to relocate to the newly built school in Glenvale Park Estate, work was undertaken to assess the options for the vacated Wilby School building to ensure its continued effective use with consideration.
With the severe shortage of SEND school places in North Northants at the forefront of our minds, an assessment of the Wilby School building was undertaken to determine its suitability to occupy children with special educational needs.

Now it has been given the go ahead, the Council will acquire the freehold of the Wilby School site from the Archdeacon of Northampton who represents the Church of England Diocese and effectively swap the Glenvale and Wilby school sites. 
Cllr Scott Edwards, Executive Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills


Our vision for North Northamptonshire is to create a place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life and we are committed to delivering better and brighter futures for all of our children and young people. This means providing them with a high-quality education and opportunities to help them flourish.

The expansion will provide an opportunity to support our children to access the special needs education and facilities that enable the achievement of the best outcomes, meaning that they can flourish.
Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council