Build the Special Schools Cambridgeshire's Children Were Promised

To the Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell MP:

We, the undersigned, call on the Government to urgently commit to a deadline for building the new special schools in Cambridgeshire. 

Why this matters

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Cambridgeshire are being let down. Two new special schools, agreed before the last general election, would provide 270 much-needed places. Families have been waiting for them for years. Despite a successful campaign by Liberal Democrats, schools and many others to get government to finally commit to building them, there has since been silence. 

Not enough places: Cambridgeshire has too few state-funded special schools. The County Council is forced to buy places in private independent special schools, which cost on average 2.5 times more than state provision. That money could be spent on children's support instead. 

Delay and uncertainty: Back in 2023, the Government said that the Gamlingay school, Greensands, would be opened in September 2025 and the March school in 2026. Yet as of October 2026, building has not started on either school and no timeline for delivery or opening schedule has been announced, despite our repeated requests for confirmation.

A growing cost: Years of underinvestment in SEND provision has left families, carers and professionals struggling to cope. Without the right early support, children's outcomes suffer, and the long-term costs to social care and the NHS grow. 

Every child deserves the chance to learn in a school that meets their needs and every child deserves a great start in life. Families across Cambridgeshire have waited long enough. 

We call on the Government to publish a clear, funded timeline and deadline for opening for both schools, and to stick to it. 

Supported by Cambridgeshire's Liberal Democrat MPs Charlotte Cane, Pippa Heylings and Ian Sollom.