LVS Hassocks is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) autism school, offering day places to autistic young people aged 11-19. The school is registered with the Department for Education for 100 places and currently supports 90 pupils.
Many of the young people who are referred to LVS Hassocks have encountered negative school experiences because of their diagnosis. This may have been because of school refusal or multiple school exclusions, leading to a poor quality of life for the young person with special needs and their family.
At LVS Hassocks, there is a structured educational environment and an approach that focuses on developing a young person’s independence and confidence. Students are also equipped with the functional skills needed for dealing with everyday life, both during their time at school and in later employment.
The new school facilities will provide an exciting opportunity for pupils to enjoy fantastic spaces that further support them to thrive, as they develop their independence and confidence. The existing school will remain open during the construction of the new facility, which is expected to be ready for use by September 2028.
The proposals listed below are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to further consultation with the key stakeholders.
A drop-in event took place in December to present the plans for the new school to parents, teachers, school staff and pupils. The information boards from the event can be found below.
A new low-carbon SEN school to meet the needs of up to 100 pupils.
The school will be located at the north-western part of the site, designed to celebrate the surrounding countryside.
Surrounded by woodland play areas, outdoor classrooms and vegetable growing beds.
Classrooms will be purpose-built for children with SEN needs – including therapy rooms, quiet areas and multiple play zones for music and drama.
Work experience café open to the parents, to enable pupils to gain confidence.
Site layout split between publicly accessible space and student outdoor areas.
Orientation of building to provide sunlight, whilst limiting overheating and increasing efficiency.
Early morning sun in classrooms. Early afternoon sunlight to the office spaces.
A dedicated on-site pick-up /drop-off area for the school, removing vehicles from Public Rights of Way HSC-9HU and removing congestion at the site access.
Car park away from entrance.
* Illustrative image of the new school which may be subject to change.