Plans for a new SEN school near Selborne could see the place up and running next year.  

Empshott Grange proposes to be a co-educational SEN (special educational needs) school, with up to 40 places accommodating children between 5 and 16 years of age.  

The project is currently in the planning stages, but there is hope that if approved, it could open in September 2025. 

Alice Anstee from Empshott LLP, the group behind the application, said: “I've been worried for a very long time that SEN children do not have enough special placements available.  

“Sometimes they are bounced around from school to school and it breaks my heart. Empshott will offer a curriculum based on hands-on learning and the natural environment. The surrounding gardens are very beautiful.’’  

The property is owned by Arthur Scott who is joining Alice in creating a small and beautifully formed school to meet the needs of children in the local community and surrounding villages.  

The school plans to teach neurodiverse children with autism, social, emotional and mental health, trauma and anxiety. All staff team members would be trained to work in a therapeutically informed environment.   

Alice added: “A particular letter I received from a local parent was that they had grown up in the area, went to school in the area as did their siblings. Why does their child, because they are seen as different, have to travel past Guildford, a good hour away just to go to school?” 

School transport will be provided by the school itself and the local authority to reduce road traffic. The school wants to be creative in reducing any impact of noise and Empshott LLP are committed to working to find solutions and to bring community cohesion.

As an independent school the project is being funded privately.