A new specialist school in Richmond borough will aim to give children with special educational needs "the very best start in life".

Richmond Council has appointed construction firm Kier to build a new centre for the Clarendon School, in Petersham, after approving the plans in 2023.

The new school will be managed by the Auriga Academy Trust, which already runs the Clarendon School across three sites in Richmond for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – including a primary and secondary school.

The new centre will expand the school's specialist provision for up to 77 primary and secondary pupils with moderate learning difficulties and complex needs.

The centre will have ten classrooms and four specialist teaching spaces for art, drama, music, food technology and life skills.

It will also have a hall, kitchen, office space, therapy rooms, group rooms and breakout areas, along with soft and hard play areas, a court and sensory garden outside.

Councillors welcomed the new school when they approved the plans in 2023, as they said local children would no longer face a tiring journey across the River Thames to go to school due to a shortage of specialist places in the borough.

Lib Dem councillor Penny Frost said: "It will be welcomed by all parents on the Richmond side [of the borough] because that avoids that daily journey across the river which is so tiring and trying for the young people… from the Richmond side who are having to go across the river to the splendid sites on the Hampton and Twickenham and Whitton sites, but nothing on our side. It's been a long time coming to fruition."

Kier is now leading construction of the new school.

 John Bolton, Regional Director of Kier's London and Thames Valley operations, said: "We are incredibly proud to be delivering such an important school for London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

"This outstanding facility will address the vital need for specialist SEND education in the borough while providing much needed support for students in a modern and inclusive environment."

Lib Dem Council Leader Gareth Roberts added: "This is about giving children and young people with special educational needs the very best start in life.

"Families in Richmond upon Thames have told us how important it is to have the right support closer to home, and that's exactly what this project will deliver.

"This represents a significant investment in our pupils and staff and is a major step forward for our borough – one I know will make a real difference for years to come."