New purpose-built academy set to open in 2026

Horizons Academy is thrilled to be opening its doors to young people aged seven to 19 with social, emotional and mental health needs, and autism spectrum condition, from January 2026. The new special academy aims to meet the demand for much-needed special school places in the region, accomodating 160 students on the former Ravensdale School site in Mansfield.

It is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, with construction being undertaken by Morgan Sindall. The school is expected to open in January 2026.

Nottinghamshire County Council says the purpose-built facility will provide a specialist learning environment for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH). Councillor Sam Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), explains why the council is investing £20 million into this project. He said: “As a council, we are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, and their families, and to providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire. This is why we are investing in this new SEND school, so it’s great to see work progressing.

“It’s vital that every child in Nottinghamshire, no matter what their background, gets the best possible education, in the best possible setting.”

The project is part of a wider programme being delivered by the county council to create up to 490 additional SEND school places by 2026 to address the growing demand for more specialist school places across the county.

David Cotton, chief executive officer for Diverse Academies Trust, said: “This development reflects a significant investment in our region to support the needs of many families who require access to specialist educational facilities for their children.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Department for Education and Nottinghamshire County Council on this project, and particularly extend our thanks to Arc Partnership and Morgan Sindall Group for their dedication in helping bring this incredible vision to life.”

Design and illustrative CGI – courtesy of Arc Partnership 2025.

Frequently asked questions

When will Horizons Academy be open to learners?

We will welcome our first learners from January 2026. All learners joining us will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and these places are allocated through the Integrated Children’s Disability Service (ICDS) at Nottinghamshire County Council.

Will I need to apply for a place at Horizons Academy?

No. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the Integrated Children’s Disability Service (ICDS) at Nottinghamshire County Council will notify you if your child has been offered a place at Horizons Academy. To find out more about the admissions process, visit our Admissions page.

How can I get in touch with the academy?

Contact via email: office@horizons-ac.org.uk

When will the work begin?

Work is underway and the new building will be completed and handed over in December 2025, ready to welcome learners from January 2026.

What will the outside look like?

Around the building there will be new play and therapy spaces. These will be divided to suit our learners’ ages and abilities.

However they can be joined together to allow for flexible use and will include an area for forest schools, a multi-use games area, soft surfaced areas and outside dining area.

What specialist SEND facilities will be available in the building?

The academy will have purpose-built classrooms and learning space with accessible access to all areas for learners and staff.

If you have any further questions that haven’t been covered above, please contact us.