The Trust’s core aim is to ensure that we enhance the life chances of all the young people within the Trust to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Why are you proposing to change Castledon’s designation? The current designation of “MLD” (Moderate Learning Difficulties) no longer reflects the needs of pupils at Castledon. Many pupils have a range of needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). Updating the designation to “ASD/MLD/SLD” ensures the school’s status matches its current and future pupil population, and supports Essex County Council’s SEND sufficiency strategy.
Will this change affect current pupils at Castledon? No. The change in designation will not affect the place of any child currently attending Castledon School.
What is the purpose of the new site on Canvey Island? The demand for special school places in South Essex is increasing. The new site, based in a refurbished building at William Read School, will provide an additional 40 places specifically for primary-aged pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).
When will the new provision open? The satellite site at William Read is expected to be ready in summer 2026, once building remodelling is complete. The first intake of learners will formally start in September 2026, hopefully allowing transition and induction activities to take place during the summer term.
Who will attend the Canvey Island site? All pupils currently attending Castledon will remain at the Wickford site. The new Canvey Island site will welcome new primary-aged pupils with SLD.
Will there be enough staff to support the new site? Yes. We will be recruiting additional specialist staff with expertise in supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) to ensure the right level of support and care.
How will the site at William Read be kept separate? William Read Primary School will continue to operate as part of Northwick Park Trust. Essex County Council is creating a new main entrance and reception for the satellite site, along with a fenced boundary and separate car parking, to ensure the two schools remain distinct.
How do admissions work for Castledon and the new satellite site? Admissions to special schools are managed by Essex County Council’s SEND Operations Special School team. This consultation does not change the admissions process, and so individual placements cannot be discussed as part of the consultation events.
How is the funding arranged for special school places and top-up support? Place funding for each pupil will be provided by the Department for Education through the Dedicated Schools Grant, which covers a base level of funding for special school places. Additional “top-up” funding is provided by Essex County Council and depends on the complexity of the needs of each child. The more complex the needs (as identified in their Education, Health and Care Plan, or via assessment), the higher the top-up funding to cover extra staffing, equipment, therapies or other support required.
Who is responsible for managing and delivering this change? Castledon School is part of Zenith Multi Academy Trust, and will lead on governance, educational quality and staffing for both the main site in Wickford and the satellite site in Canvey Island. Essex County Council is responsible for SEND sufficiency planning, commissioning the places, ensuring top-up funding is allocated, and ensuring that statutory requirements (including for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans) are met.
How can I share my views? You can complete the consultation questionnaire here: https://forms.gle/3KLRLpDsNrmnsnMn8 The consultation is open from 19 September to 17 October 2025.
Are there opportunities to ask further questions? Yes. You can attend one of our informal information sessions; • Castledon School: 29 September 2025, 4.30pm to 6.30pm • Virtual session: 30 September 2025, 1pm to 3pm (email admin@castledon.org by 26 September to register) • William Read School (Canvey Island): 7 October 2025, 4.30pm to 6.30pm
