Horizons Academy, a new £30 million special education school, is on track to open in Mansfield in January 2026. Built on the former Ravensdale School site, the facility will serve 160 students aged 7 to 19 with autism, social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Construction is advancing, with the main structure and roof completed. The project is expected to be fully built by November 2025, aligning with Nottinghamshire County Council’s broader initiative to expand SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) school capacity. To address rising demand, the council aims to add 375 specialist school places by 2026.
The new school is expected to reduce students’ reliance on long-distance transportation, easing the council’s financial pressures. Funding comes from the Special Schools capital programme, central government, and local council contributions.
