A £1.6m project to build two new permanent classrooms at an outstanding special school is now complete and ready for the new academic year.

Rowan Gate Primary School in Wellingborough has replaced two temporary classrooms with a permanent building which will accommodate 140 pupils.

The improvement programme was funded by the Department for Education and took 12 months to build.

Rowan Gate Special School is a community special school for pupils aged 2-11 years.

The new classrooms have replaced the former double classroom mobile unit and will provide the necessary teaching and circulation space needed.

Coucillor Scott Edwards, the council’s executive member for children, families, education, and skills, said: “This new building ensures that there is good-quality permanent capacity at Rowan Gate school, and I am personally delighted that it will be open in time for the September term.”

Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, added: “As a council, we are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND and their families and to investing in providing much-needed special school places in North Northamptonshire.

“We know this will have a significant and positive impact.”