A new special school located in Field Way, New Addington has officially launched a partnership with Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust and Croydon Council.
It will provide education for 150 students aged between two and 19 years old with autism and severe learning difficulties, in a learning environment that has been designed to meet their needs.
The staff at Addington Valley Academy has worked closely with families and took a therapeutic approach to support students’ communication, independence, and wellbeing, so they learn, achieve and reach their full potential.
John Reilly, Principal at Addington Valley Academy, said: “We are delighted to officially open our new special school in Field Way.
“We understand that for our students to achieve we must look after and support their communication and independence skills, while at the same time nurturing their emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
“The opening of Addington Valley Academy will help us do this for many children and young people across Croydon.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council said: “I am so pleased Addington Valley Academy has been officially opened for our children and families, and I was honoured to have attended their opening ceremony last Thursday where I had the chance to meet some of the staff, parents, and pupils.
“This landmark school is already making a real difference to our children and young people with autism and learning difficulties, as well as their families.
“It is one of only a small number in the country that has purpose-built facilities for pupils from age two all the way to 19 and we are deeply proud to have welcomed Addington Valley to our community of schools in Croydon.
“It will create more opportunities for our young people to learn and to go on and live independent, fulfilled lives.
“I very much look forward to working with the whole school community and supporting them to make their opening a success.”
Addington Valley Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT), a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities.
