The project comprises the development of the former Chineham Primary School in Popley, Basingstoke to form the Austen Academy.

The academy is a 125 place all-through special needs school with associated car park as well as play areas and sports facilities. The existing Nursery on the site remains in place.

Austen Academy

This new school meets future demand for places for pupils with special educational needs and has a focus on children with social and communication difficulties.

This will enable these vulnerable children to be able to access education in a safe and familiar setting to lessen their feelings of anxiety and provide the best learning opportunities to meet their needs.

Executive member for education and skills at the county council, Cllr Stephen Reid said:

The school is required to meet the future demand for places for pupils with a social communication need or autistic spectrum disorder in this area of Hampshire. This facility will reduce the need to place pupils in non-county establishments and avoid transport costs by providing the places close to the area of need.

Fully operational, the school caters for pupils aged between 4 and 18 years old.

The Austen Academy forms part of a £10 million investment from Hampshire County Council working with the Department for Education to build the school. The school is operated by the Catch 22 Academy Trust.