Official opening celebrates transformative expansion at The Gateway School

19 November 2025

This morning (Wednesday 19 November) marked the official opening of the new transformative expansion at The Gateway School, which includes carefully designed spaces that provide a broader, more inclusive curriculum for students.

The new facilities at The Gateway School located in Towcester, were officially opened this morning following a ribbon cutting event led by the Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs. Alexandra Williams and Tobias, a Gateway School student. The opening marked a significant moment, acknowledging the extensive planning, partnership working and £5.5 million investment from West Northamptonshire Council into the development of the new facilities.

The Gateway School, part of Creating Tomorrow Trust, is a special secondary school for children aged 11-16 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), whose primary need is linked to social, emotional and/or mental health (SEMH). The refurbished spaces, transformed from an abandoned building, now include a gym, food technology suite, ICT and science rooms, drama studio, nurture spaces, a multi-use games area (MUGA), horticulture area, and a newly refurbished sports hall and pool. These additions complement the school’s existing specialist areas for craft design and technology (CDT), art, music, motor vehicles, bricklaying and hair and beauty.

With the new areas being used from the start of this academic year, they are already fostering engagement, building confidence and laying strong foundations for success beyond the school gates for students. As well as offering brand new facilities, this expansion also increases capacity of the school, by an additional 55 places.

This expansion is a vital investment in our young people’s futures. The enhanced facilities at The Gateway School are already providing greater support for young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them thrive both academically and personally. It is really encouraging to see the difference these facilities are making and I’d like to share a huge thanks to all involved in making it happen.Cllr Kathryn Shaw, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at West Northamptonshire Council

We’re delighted to have these brilliant new spaces, which have been designed to meet the evolving needs of our students. This expansion allows us to offer a richer, more diverse curriculum and a nurturing environment where every pupil can feel valued and supported. The positive impact on students since September is already evident and will only continue to grow as the facilities become fully embedded in daily school life.Conor Renihan, Executive Head at The Gateway School