Kingston Council approved the leasing of land for two new schools on sites in Norbiton and Chessington at a special meeting of the Corporate and Resources Committee on Monday night.
The plans include a new sixth-form entry school for 11–16-year-olds to be built on the Kingsmeadow site in Norbiton, and a specialist school for pupils with autism on the Moor Lane site in Chessington.
Councillor and portfolio holder for children’s services Diane White said: “Parents and carers across our borough are keen to know that there will be high quality secondary places for their children.
“This new school will help meet that need, ensuring excellent, state-funded secondary provision for our children and young people.”
The specialist school in Chessington is due to open in September 2023 and will be run by the education provider Ambitious about Autism.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “I believe we can make a real difference to the lives of autistic children and young people in Kingston and we’re really excited to be doing that.”
Lasota continued: “We will be supporting up to 90 autistic pupils aged 4-19 in this new school and it’s been designed with their needs in mind.”
The school at Kingsmeadow will open in September 2025 and will be run by the Church of England.
The proposals for both schools are subject to planning permission.
