Silverwood School’s Rowde Campus proudly welcomed The Princess Royal this week for the official opening of its newly completed classroom extension and facilities.
The celebration brought together pupils, staff, representatives from Wiltshire Council, construction partner Willmott Dixon and key local dignitaries to mark this major milestone in the school’s development.
During her visit, The Princess Royal toured the new spaces, which include state-of-the-art classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and immersive sensory rooms. She also observed design and technology lessons and engaged with pupils as they showcased their learning.
To commemorate the occasion, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque marking the official opening and was presented with a posy by pupil Mia Blaxall.
The £31.5 million extension, funded by Wiltshire Council, has been designed as a ‘school within a school,’ providing 33 classrooms, therapeutic support areas, a large multi-purpose hall, dining facilities, playrooms and specialist sensory environments.
Outdoor spaces include a multi-use games area and playing fields, all tailored to enrich the experience of children from early years through to post-16.
In keeping with Silverwood’s sustainability ethos, the site has been designed to protect and encourage biodiversity, with wildlife-friendly features such as badger gates in the fencing and ‘bat corridors’ to support local populations.
Sean McKeown, Executive Headteacher at Silverwood School, said, “This extension represents a significant investment in inclusive education and provides our pupils with inspiring spaces to learn, grow and flourish. It was a proud day for our entire school community.”
The new facilities, which opened to pupils in September 2024, are a key part of Wiltshire Council’s wider commitment to expanding high-quality provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the county.
