The contractor has been announced for a Bexley school expansion set to create nearly 200 extra places for SEND pupils.

Bexley Council has appointed Apex Ltd as the contractors for the expansion of Shenstone secondary school in Belvedere.

The contractor will begin work at the secondary school, with the aim to complete the project in time for the September 2025 academic year.

This expansion will create up to 192 extra places for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.

It will transform the school into an ‘all through’ institution catering for students from ages 11 to 19.

TKAT Academy, Bexley Council, and the contractors have already met to discuss plans for the project.

Parents and carers are promised regular updates throughout the development process.

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Shenstone secondary initially opened in temporary accommodation, in order to provide education for young people in the area before the expansion is finished.

With Years 7 and 8 currently up and running, discussions are ongoing between the Council, the school and TKAT Academy to determine temporary options during the construction phase.

Councillor Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education, said: "I’d like to thank parents and carers for their patience and understanding while we have been going through the statutory procurement process.

"We understand that the delay to the build due to issues with the first tender exercise and prospect of temporary accommodation has been unsettling.

"Now that we have a contractor in place, we can look forward to building something really special for our children and young people.

"I’d like to thank TKAT for continuing to work with us while we investigate the temporary accommodation proposals.

"We will be keeping in touch throughout the different stages of the build and as soon as we have formalised the temporary accommodation will be back in touch with parents and carers."