A New Chapter for Bearwood Primary School
We want to share an important proposal that could shape the future of Bearwood Primary School and create valuable new opportunities for children and families across Wokingham Borough.
A proposal is currently being considered that would see Bearwood Primary School relocate from our current site in Sindlesham to a brand-new, purpose-built school in Spencers Wood in September 2028. If approved, this would allow us to continue our journey as a thriving and inclusive school while bringing our provision closer to an area where demand for primary school places is growing.
Why is this being proposed?
Over recent years, the demand for primary school places has changed across the borough. While pupil numbers have fallen in some locations, including our current catchment area, communities such as Shinfield and Spencers Wood have experienced significant growth through new housing developments.
At the same time, there is a growing need for additional specialist provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The proposed relocation would help meet both of these challenges by moving our school to an area where more primary places are needed while also expanding opportunities for children who require specialist support.
What would the new school offer?
The proposed new Bearwood Primary School in Spencers Wood would include:
- A modern, purpose-built school designed to support high-quality learning
- 210 mainstream primary school places
- A nursery provision
- A specialist SEND base for up to 14 pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), focused on supporting children with Autism and Speech, language & communication needs
The new facilities would also provide improved drop-off arrangements, enhanced outdoor learning opportunities and access to a multi-use games area.
Supporting our school community
We understand that this proposal represents a significant change for our pupils, families and staff.
Should the relocation proceed, Wokingham Borough Council has proposed providing a dedicated bus service between the current Bearwood site and the new school location for at least three years to help minimise disruption and support families during the transition.
What would happen to the current site?
If the relocation is approved, the current Bearwood Primary School site would be considered for redevelopment as a new special school providing 80 SEND places for children within the borough.
This would form part of Wokingham Borough Council's wider investment in local SEND provision, helping more children access specialist support closer to home and reducing the need for placements outside the area.
Any plans for the current site would be subject to separate consultation and approval processes.
Our vision for the future
Our Headteacher Funmi Alder has said:
"I realise this will be difficult for some families, but our lovely school needs to move to where it is needed.
A brand new, purpose-built school building, set within the heart of a residential area, will enable us to further fulfil our vision as an inclusive community school committed to excellence.
We are proud of everything that makes Bearwood Primary School special: our caring ethos, strong community spirit and commitment to every child's success. The proposed relocation would allow us to build on these strengths while continuing to serve families for many years to come.“
The aim of the proposal is about protecting the long-term future of the school, bringing education provision closer to where demand is growing, creating new SEND opportunities, and providing modern facilities that support pupils for generations to come, while recognising and addressing the concerns of the existing school community.
Have your say
We encourage all members of our school community to take part in the consultation process and share their views. Your feedback is important and will help inform decisions about the future of Bearwood Primary School.
Together, we can ensure that whatever the outcome, the needs of our pupils and families remain at the heart of every decision.
Click here to respond to the consultation
