Staff and pupils are celebrating after their £31.5 million school campus was officially opened by Princess Anne.
The Princess Royal visited Silverwood School’s new build Rowde campus, which first opened in September 2024, to mark its opening one year on.
She was greeted by children and staff and also met representatives from Wiltshire Council while touring the facility, before saying a few words.
She said: “My congratulations and best wishes, and I really do look forward to the future of this site and what it can do.”
The opening of Silverwood School’s new campus marks a major investment in education services for children in the area with special educational needs.
“The journey today has been exciting, challenging, and at times daunting.
“From the beginning it was clear this was never going to be an ordinary school, this is a place where children and young people can become their best selves.
“The building is a legacy that will outlast all of us and transform lives for generations, we have created a centre of excellence that will support children with special educational needs across the county.”
Cllr Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for children's services, education and skills, said the royal visit was a proud day for Silverwood School and Wiltshire Council, which invested over £30 million into opening the Rowde campus last September.
He added: "This marks the end of the beginning for this school, it was fantastic to see the Princess Royal and the young people's response to her.
"To see them crowding at the windows and practising their Royal waves was just marvellous to see.
"What was really special was it was clear she had a knowledge of the SEND arena and spoke with real authority."
Suggested reading
Cllr Hubbard believes the Rowde campus will play a key role in improving SEND provision across Wiltshire.
He said: “It is an absolutely fantastic resource, it sets the standard for what I would like to see being delivered for all young people across Wilshire.
“That will be a long journey, but this is a base from which we can deliver across the county, and I’m determined we will see more provision across Wiltshire.
“The important thing is wherever possible we deliver education to children as close to home as we can.”
Share