Surrey special school joins London South East Academies Trust
Pupils and staff at the former Grafham Grange School are today beginning a fresh chapter as the school officially joins London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) and is relaunched as Bramley Grange Academy.
Located in Bramley, Surrey, the specialist school provides education for up to 70 pupils aged 11–16, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school, which was previously part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHCAT), caters for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Following an Academy Order being issued to the school by the Department for Education in 2024, LSEAT was selected as the preferred Trust to take the school forward, with its strong track record in improving schools and supporting vulnerable learners.
New headteacher, Louise Needham, took up her post in January and has been working closely with staff, families, OHCAT, Surrey County Council and the Department for Education to ensure a smooth transition.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Bramley Grange Academy into our Trust. Every pupil deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can achieve their potential – and this is what our Trust, the school and its staff are committed to providing.
“We are grateful to Surrey County Council, the DfE and OHCAT for their support throughout this transition period. As the demand for high quality SEND and SEMH is increasing, this provision is much needed in Surrey.
“As the 16th school to join us, Bramley Grange will be supported with expertise from across our diverse network of special, mainstream and alternative provision academies. This is very exciting time for us as a Trust as we continue to grow and develop”
Headteacher of Bramley Grange Academy, Louise Needham, added:
“Today marks a fresh start for our school, our pupils and the local community. As Bramley Grange Academy, we are excited to continue our improvement journey and ensure that all our pupils can achieve and progress well.”
Bramley Grange becomes the 16th school to join LSEAT’s growing network, which now includes mainstream, special and alternative provision settings across London, Kent, Surrey and East Sussex. The Trust also provides an outreach service and a regional music hub, supporting children and young people from birth to 25.
For more information about London South East Academies Trust, visit: www.LSEAT.org.uk
For more information about Bramley Grange Academy, visit: bramleygrange.lseat.org.uk
