Morgan Sindall Completes £30m SEN School in Mansfield

Morgan Sindall Construction has successfully completed and handed over Horizons Academy, a new specialist educational needs (SEN) school in Mansfield.

Delivered for Diverse Academies Trust, the £30m facility will provide a dedicated learning environment for up to 160 pupils aged between 7 and 19. The school has been designed around four teaching blocks aligned to each key stage, creating a ‘small school’ setting tailored to support students with additional needs.

The project forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider strategy to address increasing demand for specialist education provision, ensuring pupils have access to high-quality facilities and support.

The completed academy includes a range of purpose-built learning spaces, each with adjoining sensory and calm areas equipped with specialist lighting and thermally controlled environments. These features have been designed specifically to support pupils with special educational needs.

In addition to core teaching areas, the school provides a variety of vocational and hands-on learning spaces, including art, science, fitness and design and technology rooms, helping pupils develop practical skills, independence and confidence.

External facilities also play a key role in the development, with extensive outdoor areas including two all-weather pitches, a multi-use games area, fitness equipment and natural play spaces designed to support wellbeing and physical activity.

A formal handover ceremony marked completion of the project, attended by representatives from the council, the trust, and Arc Partnership, alongside project stakeholders.