Former temperance hall on Northcroft Lane in Newbury transformed into SEND secondary school Northcroft School by Amegreen Children’s Services

The former temperance hall in Newbury town centre has been transformed into a secondary school for children with specialist educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Amegreen Children’s Services, based in Mortimer, was granted planning permission in the summer to transform the vacant Grade II-listed building in Northcroft Lane into an educational facility.

Ofsted then gave its go ahead for the co-educational school to help and teach youngsters aged 11 to 16 years old.

Open since late November, Northcroft School is delivering a bespoke learning environment for up to 30 pupils with a range of severe learning conditions such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorders, trauma and sensory overload.

Amegreen director Rachel Redgwell said: “There is such a huge shortage of specialist schools in the UK and we’re proud that we have now opened both our primary and secondary schools to help meet the needs of youngsters in our community.

“We’re pleased to be able to give more local children the education they need to fulfil their potential and be well prepared for adulthood and employment.”

Amegreen decided to open Northcroft School in direct response to the Government’s SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, to combat the shortage of specialist schools in West Berkshire and to set new national standards.

The school is the second to open for Amegreen after Haywards Farm Primary School opened in Theale in 2023.

Amegreen also operates children’s homes across Berkshire and Hampshire.

Amegreen is now working with local businesses to equip students with the skills required to enter employment, including supporting them to complete apprenticeships.

Agreements have also been made with the Waterside Centre and Northcroft Lane Leisure Centre to support the school’s curriculum.

Northcroft students will also have the opportunity to benefit from equine therapy at Amegreen’s stables in Berkshire.