Exciting times are ahead for Yeoman Park Academy as our brand-new, purpose-built school nears completion.
Our state-of-the-art facility in Mansfield Woodhouse will officially open its doors to pupils aged three to 19 after the Easter break on Monday 28 April. Designed to provide an exceptional learning environment for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the new building includes high-quality teaching spaces, a fully equipped hydrotherapy pool, a multi-use games area, sensory gardens, and a spacious hall.
Funded through the Department for Education’s (DfE) Schools Rebuilding Programme, with a contribution of over £2.5 million from Nottinghamshire County Council, this redevelopment will create 28 additional student places. It is part of a broader initiative by the County Council to expand SEND school provision, aiming to establish up to 490 additional places by 2026.
To mark the progress of this incredible project, Yeoman Park Academy recently welcomed key partners, including representatives from Diverse Academies Trust, Council Leader Councillor Sam Smith, Councillor Ben Bradley, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, and Councillor Nigel Moxon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and SEND.
David Cotton, chief executive officer for Diverse Academies Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It has been a privilege to witness the incredible progress at Yeoman Park Academy alongside our colleagues and partners.
“This new building is more than just a physical space – it represents a transformative step in our commitment to delivering outstanding education and support for our students.
“We look forward to the exciting future ahead and the countless opportunities this state-of-the-art facility will provide.”
Academy principal, Courtney Hoop added: “We are delighted to be moving into new accommodation that offers the best in SEND provision for learners in the Mansfield and surrounding areas.
“As educators we have worked with Diverse Academies, DfE, architects, builders and our neighbours Manor Academy to provide state of the art facilities for our learners.
“Learners are very excited about moving especially using the purpose-built hydrotherapy pool and sensory spaces. In collaboration with the local education authority, we are expanding opportunities for learners by providing additional spaces and serving as a central hub for SEND support and training within the community.
“In January, Ofsted rated us as ‘outstanding’ in all areas while we were still in our old building. Now, with our new facility, we can build on that success and create an even brighter future for our staff, learners, and their families.”
Inspectors praised the ‘outstanding’ quality of education and care for SEND pupils and noted that students ‘thrive and are happy due to the school’s exceptional provision’.
Cllr Smith said: “I was delighted to meet the leadership team at Yeoman Park Academy and Diverse Academies Trust, and it was great to see how the new build is taking shape ahead of its opening later this spring.
“The funding we have contributed for this significant rebuilding project reaffirms this council’s commitment to do everything we can to support children and young people with SEND, and their families.
“We are committed to providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire and it is vital we invest in our future generations – which this project is doing.”
Cllr Moxon said it is important that the new academy provided the appropriate environment to allow pupils to thrive and enjoy their learning experience.
He said: “It was great to see the new build and hear about the fantastic facilities it will boast which will greatly benefit the children who attend Yeoman Park Academy.
“Every child in Nottinghamshire, no matter what their background, should be able to learn and thrive in an environment which enables them to get the best possible education, in the best possible setting.
“There is no doubt that the pupils at Yeoman Park Academy will soon be learning in an incredible building with state-of-the-art facilities, and I am sure everyone connected with the school can’t wait for it to officially open.”
The new academy is designed to accommodate 138 pupils and is being constructed on the existing school site. Once completed, the original building will be removed, and the land will be reintegrated into the Yeoman Park Academy and Leas Park School campus.
We are incredibly excited about the future and cannot wait to welcome our students into their new learning environment soon.
