Morgan Sindall breaks ground on net-zero SEND sixth form in Essex
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Essex business has commenced works on the brand-new SEND Glenwood Sixth Form in South Benfleet.
Appointed by Essex County Council (ECC) through the ECC framework, the tier one contractor celebrated this milestone with a groundbreaking event on the 19th of September, attended by ECC representatives, MP for Castlepoint School Rebecca Harris, and the Morgan Sindall project team.
The £6.6M project will create five classrooms, a dining space, catering training centre, meeting room, and specialised sensory rooms, creating a safe, enriching environment for children with additional learning needs to enjoy.
To meet ECC’s growing demand for SEND spaces, Glenwood Sixth Form will have capacity for 40 students.
On track to complete in spring 2026, the finished project will include vibrant landscaping, small play areas, and a car park with 109 spaces, seven EV charging spots, three accessible spots, and eight additional mini bus spaces.
The property will be constructed using a SIPS frame and brickwork façade, delivering both efficiency and durability. This combination will create excellent insulation and airtightness, as well as reduce energy costs and create a comfortable learning environment for students.
In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to sustainability, Glenwood Sixth Form will be carbon net-zero in operation, powered by PV panels on the roof and air source heat pumps.
The project team also plans to organise numerous initiatives at the school and with the community throughout construction to engage with students and locals.
Ryan Liversage, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex, said:
We’re incredibly proud to break ground on the new Glenwood Sixth Form, which will provide a sustainable and inspiring environment for young people with additional needs. This project is about more than construction – it’s about creating spaces that will nurture learning, independence, and wellbeing, supporting SEN students for many years to come.”
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said:
The investment in a state-of-the-art sixth form facility at Glenwood reflects our firm commitment to supporting children and young people with special education needs in the county. The sixth form will provide a safe space for young people to learn, thrive, gain independence and build confidence for the future and create much needed additional SEND provision in South Essex.
We’re hugely excited to see the project come to life and the positive impact it will have on the community.”
ENDS