Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Wolsey Park Woodham School

Sir John recently visited the site of Wolsey Park Woodham School, which is currently under construction and due to open in 2028. The new specialist school will provide education for pupils aged 11 to 16 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities across Mid Essex.

During the visit, Sir John met with Andy Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Zenith Academy Trust, to discuss plans for the development and the need for specialist educational provision in the area. Sir John recognised the urgent need for more specialist school places, particularly for families in more rural parts of Essex such as the Dengie Peninsula, where access to suitable provision can involve lengthy travel times.

Alongside the Wolsey Park Rayleigh site, the Woodham site is expected to help increase local SEND capacity significantly, providing up to 150 places for children with complex needs who require a specialised and personalised curriculum.

Welcoming the project, Sir John sees the new school will make a valuable contribution to educational provision across the area by supporting children who require a more specialised and personalised curriculum.