Published: 24 February 2026
We are pleased to share some exciting news about a new development with St George’s Beneficial C of E Primary School. From September 2026, the school with support from the Local Authority, plan to open a brand-new Inclusion Centre, designed to support primary-aged children who have additional cognition and learning needs. This specialist centre will help children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to thrive, offering tailored teaching and support within a caring, familiar school environment.
The Inclusion Centre will be based in the former Top Tots Nursery building, which sits alongside the main school. This building is already well-suited for small-group learning and will allow the school to create a calm, nurturing space where children can learn, grow, and build confidence. St George’s already has a strong track record of supporting children with additional needs, and this new centre will build on that expertise.
The Centre will eventually offer 32 places for children from Reception to Year 6, with the first 16 pupils joining in September 2026. Children will spend much of their time in the Inclusion Centre but will also have opportunities to join their peers in mainstream classes whenever it’s right for them. This balanced approach ensures every child is included, supported, and given the chance to take part in wider school life.
The opening of the Inclusion Centre is an important step for the Portsmouth, ensuring more children can access specialised support closer to home, reducing pressure on special schools and helping meet the growing demand for SEND provision.
Over the coming months, the Local Authority will be asking for views from parents, staff, the Diocese, and other partners as part of the formal process required to open the centre. Families will have the chance to find out more and share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
