Silverwood School’s Rowde Campus was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for the official opening of its newly completed classroom extension and facilities.

The school community, including pupils, staff, representatives from Wiltshire Council, construction partner Willmott Dixon, and key local figures, gathered to celebrate this significant milestone.

During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal toured the new facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, and immersive sensory rooms. She also observed design and technology activities and engaged with pupils in their learning environments.

To commemorate the occasion, HRH unveiled a plaque marking the official opening and was presented with a posy by pupil Mia Blaxall.

The new classroom block, which welcomed pupils in September 2024, is the result of an ambitious development programme designed to enhance learning opportunities for children from early years through to post-16.

Conceived as a “school within a school,” the extension features multiple teaching wings with 33 general classrooms, therapeutic support spaces, a large multi-purpose hall, and dining areas tailored to meet diverse pupil needs. Specialist playrooms, sensory environments, and outdoor learning areas – including a multi-use games area and playing fields to further enrich the educational experience.

In keeping with Silverwood School’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, the site incorporates wildlife-friendly features such as badger gates within the fencing and designated “bat corridors” to support local bat populations.

Wiltshire Council invested £31.5m in the build as part of wider plans to create a first-class education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities in Wiltshire.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We are rightly proud of this school and how children and young people enjoy being part of this amazing facility with opportunities to learn and thrive. We want to ensure Wiltshire children and young people can access learning in Wiltshire and having this amazing facility is part of our wider plans to provide sufficient places for children and young people with SEND.

“It is a very special moment to welcome HRH The Princess Royal and have her officially open this beautiful site and see how the children love being here. I hope she thoroughly enjoyed her time with us at Silverwood.”

Sean McKeown, Executive Headteacher at Silverwood School, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase our new facilities to Her Royal Highness. This extension represents a significant investment in inclusive education and provides our pupils with inspiring spaces to learn, grow, and flourish. It was a proud day for our entire school community.”