The expansion will boost the school's capacity to 330 places, introducing 20 new classrooms and remodelling 12 existing ones into six larger learning spaces. Additional parking facilities are also included in the scheme.
This project is part of the Council's ongoing commitment to ensuring sufficient and suitable specialist school places are available to meet the rising demand for SEND provision across Central Bedfordshire.
The Council's approved capital programme for 2026 to 2027 allocates £42.2 million for the scheme, pending detailed design and cost refinement. The decision follows a statutory consultation where 58 per cent of respondents supported the proposal.
“"We take our responsibility to our Children with SEND and their families very seriously and are committed to giving them the very best facilities we can afford. The expansion of Ivel Valley School will provide much-needed additional places while also creating modern, purpose-designed learning spaces that better reflect the needs of the children and young people who use them."
Councillor Gareth Mackey highlighted that feedback from stakeholders, particularly Ivel Valley School and the SEND community, was crucial in moving forward. Concerns regarding disruption during construction, the bridleway, parking, and access have been noted, with a commitment to mitigating these issues.
He added, "This is a significant investment of over £40m in specialist education provision in Central Bedfordshire and represents a major part of our commitment to our SEND community. I am delighted that we can finally bring this project to fruition."
The expansion will primarily feature new-build specialist spaces, complemented by improvements to existing classrooms. These new facilities aim to enhance accessibility, therapeutic provision, and create a learning environment tailored to current and future SEND needs.
Detailed design, configuration, and considerations for safeguarding, traffic, parking, access, and minimising pupil disruption will be developed collaboratively with the school, subject to planning, highways, procurement, and other necessary approvals before construction commences.
