Empty Suffolk primary school could be used for SEND students

Maidstone Primary School, in Maidstone Road, Felixstowe has not been used for at least a year following the merger of the school with nearby Causton Junior School to form the Seckford Education Trust (SET) Felix Primary School.

READ MORE: Merger for Felixstowe schools considered by Department for Education

The newly-merged school of 310 pupils is operating from Causton's site, leaving the Maidstone premises vacant and seemingly without a plan for its future use.

READ MORE: New Suffolk school opens for 310 pupils

However, a Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: "Suffolk County Council is exploring the possibility of using the site of the former Maidstone Primary School to provide new provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.  

"At the moment, we are carrying out feasibility work to understand what adaptations would need to be made."

The merger took place to benefit the pupils' learning by bring them all on one site, which would enable them to progress from reception to year 6.

READ MORE: Schools unveil merger bid amid 'falling pupil numbers'

The padlocked gate at the former Maidstone Primary School (Image: Richard Cornwell)

Siblings who had previously been separated by the two schools were now in one place, while staff in reception years could more easily support their colleagues in Years 5 and 6.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

As part of the process, a refurbishment took place costing more than £300,000 during a six week period in the summer of 2022.

Physical improvements to the school took place and included extension work to the reception classroom, the specialist provision and the library to provide better facilities for the children to enhance their reading.

Outdoor play areas were also improved.

READ MORE: Suffolk news