Three schools across Oxfordshire are set to benefit from major investment projects after funding proposals were approved at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member meeting on Friday 03 July.
The schemes include an expansion of specialist provision at Mabel Prichard Special School in Oxford, a £9.4 million redevelopment of Grove Church of England Primary School and new permanent teaching facilities at Faringdon Community College.
The projects form part of the county council’s ongoing programme to increase school capacity, improve educational facilities and respond to growing demand for school places across Oxfordshire.
Expansion planned for Mabel Prichard Special School
At Mabel Prichard Special School, which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), plans will see former foundation stage accommodation at the neighbouring Orchard Meadow Primary School remodelled and refurbished.
The project will create three additional classrooms alongside pupil toilets, a group room and supporting facilities. Plans also include a redesigned entrance, new office and staff accommodation, extra parking and improvements to highway access.
A full business case is expected to be considered by the county council in August, with the overall project valued at more than £2 million. The scheme will be delivered by the Gallery Trust using county council funding.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said the authority remained committed to investing in SEND provision and supporting children and young people to access the services they need.
£9.4 million expansion for Grove school
Grove Church of England Primary School is also set for a significant expansion through a £9.4 million investment.
The project will increase the school’s capacity from 210 to 315 primary places while creating an additional 39 nursery places to help meet future demand generated by housing growth in the area.
Plans include construction of a new building containing seven classrooms, a school hall, kitchen and administration facilities. The existing building will be remodelled to accommodate nursery and reception pupils.
As part of the development, additional land provided by David Wilson Homes will allow for a new all-weather sports pitch, a new main entrance and extra parking for staff and visitors.
Construction is expected to begin in February 2027, with the project being delivered by the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and the housing developer.
Permanent classrooms planned for Faringdon
Faringdon Community College is the third school included in the investment programme.
Plans will replace four temporary buildings, which currently provide eight classrooms, with permanent facilities delivered in two phases.
The first phase includes a two-storey teaching block containing seven classrooms, group rooms, offices, toilets and breakout space.
The second phase will create a new student centre featuring reception facilities, meeting rooms, workspaces and offices.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the project being delivered by Cambrian Learning Trust using county council funding.
Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, said the investments would provide improved learning environments while helping meet future demand for school places across the county.
