A completion date has been revealed for a new multi-million-pound school for pupils with special educational needs.

The new Woodlands Meed College, in Burgess Hill, is scheduled to be completed on August 25, 2023.

One-hundred children with special education needs and disabilities will enjoy new facilities at the college in Birchwood Grove Road.

The school with have a new hydrotherapy pool, 12 new classrooms, with more space and specialist learning areas for music, sciences and food technology.

There will be an outside courtyard and amphitheatre where children can sit together and hold sporting and social events.

High-quality sporting facilities including an all-weather pitch and a two-court sports hall and accessible changing facilities are being created, a large dining hall and kitchen, common room and a range of therapy space and a new outside learning and play areas including classrooms, an outside gym and gardening areas.

The school will be powered with the help of solar panels on the roof, which will improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs, as well as the college’s carbon footprint.

Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people said: “I am delighted that when our children return to Woodlands Meed in September, they will be able to start enjoying all the new facilities on offer at the college.

“These new facilities will help enable children and young people at Woodlands Meed to fulfil their potential, which is a key priority for West Sussex County Council.

“This has been a complicated project. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in getting us to this stage as we prepare to complete the new Woodlands Meed College.”

The council said the contractor will remain on site to complete the demolition of the existing buildings and to complete the external areas.

Speaking at a topping out ceremony at the college earlier this year, Woodlands Meed headteacher Adam Rowland said: “Since the ground-breaking event last year I can’t believe how quickly this has been built, and having it in our backyard, it’s been incredible to see it develop over time. It’s going to make such a huge difference to our pupils to have the provision that will enable them to succeed and flourish in their lives.

“A huge, huge thank you.”