Bradfields Academy is a specialist SEND all-through school for pupils aged 4–19, operated by the Fortis Trust. The school provides a structured, inclusive and supportive learning environment for pupils with complex needs.

The redevelopment will provide a modern, fully accessible two-storey school building designed specifically for SEND education. It will support 444 pupils, including sixth form provision, and will enable the school to deliver high-quality teaching, therapy and life-skills

programmes within a safe and inspiring environment.

Aims of the new development:

• Deliver high-quality, fit-for-purpose buildings for 21st-century SEND education.

• Provide calm, secure and appropriately zoned internal and external spaces tailored to pupil needs.

• Improve accessibility across the whole site, including level changes and specialist access requirements.

• Enhance external spaces, while safeguarding protected open space.

• Replace outdated and poor-condition buildings while retaining key assets such as the recently constructed EFAE block.

Main components of the scheme:

• A new permanent two-storey teaching block, centrally located on the site. Located south west?

• Retention of the EFAE building (constructed 2021). May be worth specifying what this building is as unless there is a plan which labels the building, the public may not know what this is referring to.

• Demolition of poor-condition existing blocks.

• One additional temporary block during the construction phase to allow safe education continuity.

• Improved parking layout, including accessible parking, drop-off bays, managed access routes.

• Reorganised external spaces, including hard play, soft play, sensory gardens and SEND-appropriate outdoor learning areas.

• Sports provision improvements, including MUGA and maintained sports pitches.

Access, Parking & Highways 

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Access will remain from Churchill Avenue. The existing operational issues caused by inappropriate on-street parking during peak times have been noted by the school and are included as part of the transport assessment.

Key changes include:

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• A reconfigured internal access loop to improve safety and reduce conflict between school traffic and neighbouring schools movement.

• A dedicated area for drop off to the front of the school entrance, remainder of parking provision accommodating approximately 120 spaces, including accessible bays.

• Improved separation of pedestrian routes, including safe SEND-appropriate pathways.

• Retention and enhancement of the existing hard play and sports courts where feasible.

Sports & Open Space

The majority of the playing field is retained. As required by Sport England and Medway Council:

MUGA provision will be re-provided and relocated sensitively, with consideration of Sport England’s guidance.

Landscaping will be enhanced across the site, including tree retention where possible, replacement planting, and protected woodland boundaries.

Landscaping and Environment

The site benefits from eastern woodland areas that are being retained and protected. The landscape strategy will include:

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• Secure internal courtyards and specialist SEND outdoor learning zones.

• Play areas tailored for different needs and age groups.

• Tree protection and replacement planting following the arboricultural engagement.

• A sensitive lighting strategy to protect habitats and minimise disturbance.

The scheme also incorporates sustainable design features in line with the DfE’s environmental and carbon-reduction objectives.