Transforming learning environments at Hilltop School – a £3 million investment in inclusion and excellence

Hilltop School, part of Nexus Multi Academy Trust and based in Rotherham, is undergoing a transformative £3 million redevelopment to further enhance the learning environment for pupils with complex learning needs. Setting a new standard for inclusive education in the region, the project is part of the Great Yorkshire Build initiative, led by Yorkshire Children’s Charity, which brings together more than 50 contractors, consultants and developers from across the region’s construction sector. The scheme will deliver a comprehensive reconfiguration of the school site, including three new classrooms, a specialist rebound therapy space and purpose-built learning and care facilities that prioritise accessibility and wellbeing.

This collaborative effort reflects a shared ambition to create environments that truly support every learner’s development. By designing spaces that are fully accessible, calm and tailored to the needs of pupils with severe and complex learning disabilities, Hilltop School is ensuring that all students can thrive in a setting that supports both their academic and personal growth. At the heart of the redevelopment is a clear commitment to proactive intervention – ensuring every element of the school environment is not only fit for purpose but also equipped to enrich a child’s educational experience. From specialist therapy areas to carefully designed sensory and teaching spaces, the upgraded facilities will help unlock potential and deliver high-quality education outcomes for current and future generations of students.

Warren Carratt, Chief Executive of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, said:

“The magic that happens inside our Hilltop school is often in stark contrast with the fabric, design, and layout of its 1970s CLASP build, so we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Yorkshire Children’s Charity to name our school as the recipient of the Great Yorkshire Build. The early designs we have seen will transform our site and enhance our learning environment significantly, meaning some of our society’s most vulnerable learners will feel the benefit directly.

“We are so excited for this project to start, and we are beyond grateful to all those who have secured the resources to make this happen. Demand for special school places has never been higher, so this work will create more high-quality choice for many more families and will give us a site that is a beacon of good practice across the county”.

Charlotte Farrington, CEO of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, added:

“Every child deserves access to education by right, not by exception. Thanks to the generosity and expertise of our region’s construction community, we’re delivering on that promise and helping schools like Hilltop provide the very best environments for learning.”

The Great Yorkshire Build is part of a wider effort to support special schools across the county, many of which face increasing demand for places. Through strategic investment and community partnership, this initiative is helping schools meet that challenge with innovative, future-ready facilities.

To learn more about Yorkshire Children’s Charity and the Great Yorkshire Build, visit: https://yorkshirechildrenscharity.org/yorkshire-childrens-charity/impact/yorkshire-childrens-charity-impact-the-great-yorkshire-build/