Department for Education approves expansion at Brantridge School

Plans to expand specialist primary provision at Brantridge School have been approved by the Department for Education (DfE), marking a significant step forward in meeting growing local demand for social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) support in West Sussex.

Brantridge School is a specialist primary school for boys aged five to 11 with SEMH needs, including autistic spectrum disorder. The school, which is part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT), currently provides 80 places for pupils from Year 1 to Year 6.

The approval follows discussions with Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and the Department for Education, examining how provision at Brantridge School could best respond to changing patterns of need. In response, the Trust put forward a proposal to expand primary capacity at Brantridge School.

Following a consultation period and the submission of a Significant Change Business Case, the Department for Education has approved the proposal. This will enable the school’s capacity to increase to 96 primary places for boys, subject to the reconfiguration and refurbishment of an existing building on the school site. As an academy, the approval will allow Brantridge School’s Funding Agreement to be amended to reflect the increased number of planned places.

The Principal of Brantridge School, Dafydd Roberts, welcomed the decision and thanked stakeholders for their engagement throughout the process. “We are very pleased that the Department for Education has approved this proposal following consultation. There is clear demand for specialist primary SEMH provision, and this expansion will allow us to support more children and families while maintaining the high-quality, nurturing environment that Brantridge School is known for. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and contribute to shaping this outcome.”

Lynn Barratt, Executive Director of Development at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) said; “The expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to working in partnership with local authorities and communities to ensure that children with the most complex needs can access the right provision, at the right time.”

Brantridge School and the Trust will now begin plans to reconfigure and refurbish an existing building on the school site, as well as recruitment to staff roles to accommodate the increase in pupil numbers expected from September 2026.