Construction work has begun on a new special school for North Somerset, which is due to welcome its first students onsite in September 2027.
Lime Hills Academy is currently operated out of a temporary site in Nailsea and shared school space in Weston-super-Mare, but is developing its own purpose-built site at Langford.
Work is now under way on a school which will be run by the Cabot Learning Federation and developed in partnership with North Somerset Council the Department for Education (DfE) and Bowmer + Kirkland.
Once completed, the new school building will provide students with a modern, inclusive, and future-ready learning environment.
Lime Hills Academy will serve 65 pupils aged five to 16 (Years 1 to Year 11) with a primary diagnosis of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The academy will offer children across four key stages the opportunity to connect with and better understand themselves, their communities, and the wider world.
With a focus on creative arts, artisanship, and agriculture, children will discover their talents through an individualised curriculum designed to develop strengths and build supportive personal networks.
As a result, pupils graduating from Lime Hills Academy will be equipped to contribute positively to their communities, supported by an education that helps them understand themselves and their connection to the world around them.
The new development will include a multi-use games area (MUGA), sports field, libraries, art and design studio, music recording studio, and dedicated practice room, creating a rich and inspiring environment for learning and personal development.
Lis Jolley, Executive Principal for the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “Lime Hills Academy represents an exciting opportunity to create a nurturing and aspirational environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported to succeed.
“Through a curriculum rooted in creativity, practical learning, and strong community connections, we are committed to helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive both in education and in life.
“We are delighted to be working alongside North Somerset Council, the DfE and Bowmer + Kirkland to bring this vision to life for children and families across the region.”
Neil Pateman, Project Director for the Department for Education, said: “We are delighted to see construction now underway at Lime Hills Academy, marking an important milestone in expanding high-quality specialist school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to thrive, in the right setting for them. We look forward to seeing the academy develop and to the positive difference it will make for pupils and their families.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, said: “North Somerset has a growing need for school places that support children with social, emotional and mental health needs, so it’s fantastic to finally see the start of construction of the new Lime Hills Academy in Langford.
“These new, modern and purpose-built facilities include a range of unique and inclusive spaces where young people aged five to 16 can nurture their creativity and enjoy practical learning tailored specifically to their needs.
“When completed, the new school facilities will ensure that children with acute needs can continue their education within North Somerset. This is part of our strategy to ensure all children can attend a good school in their local area where they can learn, grow and develop.
“We look forward to continuing our work with CLF, the Department for Education, Willmott Dixon and Bowmer + Kirkland as we get everything ready for a 2027 opening.”
David Enever, Project Manager for Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “It was great to see the some of the students on site to mark the occasion. B+K look forward to delivering another key facility for the DfE and the school trust.”
