Plans have been agreed in principle for the Omega Centre in Southsea to become a new special school for children with severe and complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) – to be run by the Solent Academies Trust (SAT) as part of the Mary Rose Academy.
The proposed redevelopment of the Omega Centre will return the building to a school use as was its original designation when it first opened its doors as the Omega Street School in 1882.
The council and the Elementary Education Foundation, who are the landlord for the Omega Centre, have agreed the new use of the building, with work due to start in Spring 2026.
The new provision is due to open to students in September 2027 and will be able to support around 60 secondary and post 16 young people in the city.
Plans for the new school, which will retain most of the existing buildings, are currently being drawn up and the work will be funded, and the project managed, by the council.
In common with many parts of the country, Portsmouth has seen a significant increase in the number of children with complex special educational needs and disabilities.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “This provision will add much needed high quality additional places for children with complex special educational needs.
“Solent Academies Trust have a track record of providing outstanding special school provision within the city, and I look forward to seeing how this much needed provision will support those who need it to thrive in the education system”.
Sharon Burt, Chief Executive of Solent Academies Trust said:
“We are delighted to have this exciting opportunity to work closely with Portsmouth City Council to expand further our specialist provision at Mary Rose Academy. The increased demand for specialist places is high for pupils across the age ranges and this new opportunity will not only provide places for secondary and post 16, but it will also release spaces for younger pupils at both Mary Rose Academy and Cliffdale Primary Academy that are currently required to accommodate secondary pupils at the Mary Rose main campus. ”
Faye Watton- Lawrence, Executive Principal Mary Rose Academy said:
“We are delighted to be expanding the outstanding education available at Mary Rose Academy to an additional campus. Our vision “It’s got to be possible!” underpins our dedication to ensuring that young people with SEND receive the very best opportunities to thrive and to achieve great things, at home, school and in their community. The addition of Omega to our family of schools will futureproof our aspirational offer for our incredible pupils – we can’t wait to get started!”
The council will work with existing tenants of the Omega Centre to help with relocating. The announcement is being made now to provide those tenants with over a year to find new homes.