Polaris School, Lyttleton House School, to open in Andover

Lyttelton House School in Andover will begin welcoming pupils this summer, serving children from Basingstoke and across Hampshire with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The school, developed by children’s services provider Polaris Community, will accommodate up to 60 pupils.

It will also support young people with a neurodiverse profile.

Loren Cahill, head of organic growth at Polaris, said: "We are very excited to add Lyttelton House School to our portfolio of specialist schools, offering this much-needed facility to children and parents in the area.

Lyttelton House School (Image: Lyttleton House School)

"Our entire ethos is about nurturing children with specialist education needs, enabling them to reach their potential, and respecting that progress and achievement can look different for all our pupils.

"We’re working closely with local authorities in the area to ensure children placed with us can enjoy an education tailored to their needs so they can truly thrive."

The school building has been refreshed and refurbished ahead of welcoming its first cohort of pupils and new teaching staff, complete with break out and sensory spaces, a fully-equipped teaching kitchen and ample outdoor space including a forest school area.

Vicki Wills, the new headteacher, said: "After months of development the school is nearly ready to open its doors and I can’t wait to start working with our first cohort of pupils.

"Provisions like ours are essential for children who have struggled to find their place in mainstream schools.

"Our small classes and experienced staff mean we can tailor each child’s education to their needs and their strengths.

Lyttelton House School (Image: Lyttleton House School)

"Finding the right fit for your child can seem like an uphill battle for a lot of parents of children with additional needs, but we’re confident we will provide a safe, kind and inclusive environment for all of our pupils and their parents and carers."

The school is now recruiting specialist teaching and support and will be releasing dates for open days soon for any prospective parents and carers to have a look at the school.

Pupils can only attend the SEMH specialist school through a referral from their local authority.

Lyttelton House School has been named after local suffragist Mary Kathleen Lyttelton, an activist, editor and writer who championed women’s education and wellbeing.

The Polaris Community, which acquired the building in August last year, is one of the UK’s largest providers of children’s services.

More information about Lyttelton House School is available on the school’s website.