Special school unveils new extension as part of £3.75m Slough council investment

A special school in Slough has formally unveiled a brand-new eight-classroom extension as part of a council-backed investment of more than £3.75million.

Haybrook College officially opened the new building at Millside School on Wednesday, January 29, during a celebratory event attended by school staff, Slough Borough Council representatives, trustees and members of the wider school community.

Designers and contractors involved in the project also joined the occasion, as it marked a major investment in improved facilities for pupils with special educational needs.

Geoff Bull, Head of Centre for Millside School, said the new facilities would make a significant difference to students’ day-to-day experience.

He said: “The new teaching rooms, outdoor spaces, and specialist equipment have transformed both the learning and social experience for our students.

“I am excited to lead the next chapter at Millside, supporting both students and staff to excel within the calm, modern, and inspiring environment that the new building provides.”

Refurbishments of the older section of Millside School include a new toilet block, updated heating and cooling systems, improved parking and enhanced security measures such as speed gates and fencing.

The new extension has been designed with pupils’ needs at its heart, built as a single-storey structure using wood, and aimed at connecting people with nature.

It includes five bright, airy classrooms equipped with modern technology to support sensory learning needs, including smart screens and air conditioning.

In addition, three specialist classrooms have been created to support the teaching of art, design technology and science.

Pupils will also benefit from a therapy garden and a dedicated outdoor play area.

The council funding of more than £3.75million, agreed in 2024, supported the construction of the eight new classrooms, upgrades to older parts of the school, and improvements across the site.

Executive Headteacher of Haybrook College, Jamie Rockman, welcomed guests to the opening and thanked everyone involved in delivering the project.

He highlighted the building’s modern features, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, which will help reduce the school’s carbon footprint.

Mr Rockman also praised LRA Architects for the design, Alexander James Contractors for bringing the plans to life, and Slough Borough Council for its ongoing support.

He gave special thanks to Richard Atkinson for his project management work throughout the development.

Neil Hoskinson, director of education at Slough Borough Council, said the extension reflected the council’s commitment to supporting children with special educational needs.

“The quality of their learning environment is crucial in enabling pupils to flourish, and these new spaces exemplify the very best in specialist design, sustainable school construction, and thoughtful inclusive practice,” he added.

“We are proud to have worked in partnership with the college to provide facilities that match the ambition, creativity, and potential of our learners.”

Mayor of Slough, Councillor Siobhan Dauti, officially opened the new extension at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and guests toured the new classrooms to see the impact of the new spaces first-hand.

Cllr Dauti said: “Both personally and as mayor, it’s a privilege to be here to officially open and tour this wonderful new extension to Millside School.

“I am sure the students and teachers also join with me in welcoming the addition of these new facilities, as will the families of those who attend the school.

“Two of my grandchildren currently attend school on this site, and I therefore have first-hand experience regarding the benefits of improved services for those children with additional or special educational needs.”