New school extension opened at Millside School - Haybrook College

Haybrook College was delighted to officially open its brand-new eight classroom extension at Millside School last week (29 January). 

The extension of eight new classrooms and refurbishment of older facilities recognises the limitations of the previous accommodation that the pupils had to learn in.

In 2024, the council agreed to invest more than £3.75m to add the eight new classroom extension to the current Millside School site, refurbish the older part of the school (including a new toilet block, heating and cooling systems), improve parking facilities, and improve site security with speed gates and fencing. 

Staff from the school were joined by representatives from Slough Borough Council, Trust Members and Trustees, members of the school community, designers, and contractors who had all been involved in designing and developing the extension, making sure it was delivered to a very high standard for the benefit of the pupils at Millside School. 

The extension was designed and built with its pupils in mind; it is a single storey primary built in wood to follow the design principals of connecting people with nature. It houses five bright and airy classrooms that have been fitted with the latest technology to meet the sensory needs of the learners, including air conditioning and smart screens. There are also three specialist classrooms, allowing the delivery of Art, Design Technology and Science, a therapy garden, and dedicated outside play area for the pupils to give them space and security.

Jamie Rockman, Executive Headteacher of Haybrook College, welcomed visitors to the event and thanked all those who had helped turn the concept into a long-awaited reality. He said the building brought the school into the modern era with solar panels and EV charging points to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Mr Rockman thanked LRA – Architects for a wonderful design, Alexander James Contractors for taking the project from design to reality, and SBC for their support throughout the process, especially Richard Atkinson, for his excellent project management experience. 

Geoff Bull, Head of Centre for Millside School, said: “The new teaching rooms, outdoor spaces, and specialist equipment have transformed both the learning and social experience for our students. I am excited to lead the next chapter at Millside supporting both students and staff to excel within the calm, modern, and inspiring environment that the new building provides.”

Neil Hoskinson, Director of Education, Slough Borough Council said: “This classroom extension exemplifies SBC’s commitment to delivering exceptional provision for our children with special educational needs. The quality of their learning environment is crucial in enabling pupils to flourish, and these new spaces exemplify the very best in specialist design, sustainable school construction, and thoughtful inclusive practice. We are proud to have worked in partnership with the College to provide facilities that match the ambition, creativity, and potential of our learners.”

Mayor of Slough, Councillor Siobhan Dauti, said: “Both personally and as Mayor, it’s a privilege to be here to officially open and tour this wonderful new extension to Millside School. 

“I am sure the students and teachers also join with me in welcoming the addition of these new facilities, as will the families of those who attend the school. Two of my grandchildren currently attend school on this site, and I therefore have first-hand experience regarding the benefits of improved services for those children with additional or special educational needs.” 

After the ribbon was pulled, guests toured the classrooms and spoke to teachers and pupils.