The purpose-built facility, now home to Carew Academy, aims to improve access to specialist education in the borough for students aged 7 to 19.
The school replaces the former Carew Academy site in Beddington Park and offers a wide range of tailored learning spaces, including rooms for art, drama, music, food technology, science, sport, ICT, and life skills.
The new building also houses on-site therapeutic support, including speech and language therapy, emotional literacy, and occupational therapy (OT).
In recent years, the borough has seen a significant increase in students needing additional educational support.
The number of autistic children requiring SEND schooling has also risen, placing further pressure on the council’s already stretched capacity.
This recent effort to boost SEND schooling in the borough was funded by the Department for Education, with Sutton Council also contributing £145,000 toward the creation of three accessible outdoor play areas.
From September 2025, Sherwood Park School will use the original manor house to provide 24 further places for children with autism.
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, which also moved to the Sutton Life Centre last year, will continue to manage the school.
Carew Academy was awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating after its last inspection in 2020.
The school, built by construction company Kier, was delivered to align with the council’s wider effort to meet growing demand for specialist education in the area.
Following the announcement, Sutton’s Lead Member for Adults and Children, Councillor Marian James, said: “Thanks to our strong local partnerships, Sutton is now able to offer more local places for children and young people with additional and complex learning needs.
“The new Carew Academy is a fantastic purpose-built school that will mean our children and young people get the very best education in an environment completely tailored to meet their needs.
“I am extremely proud we have such a high-quality education facility in our borough, as we continue with our mission to make Sutton an inclusive place to live and go to school.”
Principal of Carew Academy, James Kearns, said: “It is wonderful to finally welcome students into their new school.
“The space has been thoughtfully designed with the needs of our students in mind. I look forward to sharing stories of how they thrive and achieve in this fantastic new environment.
“A huge amount of effort has gone into designing and building our school creating a nurturing, inclusive environment with exceptional facilities where every student can feel supported and inspired.
“We are looking forward to the future and getting to know and adding value to our local community.”
