Hopescourt School is set to become Surrey’s flagship Net Zero Carbon Special Free School, designed for 200 autistic pupils aged 4-19 years.
Scheduled for completion in Spring 2026, the school will cater to students with communication and interaction needs, offering a specialized environment that supports their growth and learning.
The facility will go beyond traditional education by providing opportunities for outdoor learning, music, and other enriching activities, aligning with the school’s ethos of “pause, breathe, think and flourish. “Procured under the Southern Construction Framework, the school will be ‘Net Zero Carbon in Operation’ (NZiO) upon completion.
Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South, emphasised the project’s importance, highlighting its positive impact on the community and families. The school will feature autism-specific, highly specialised teaching and learning spaces, ensuring that children can thrive in an environment tailored to their needs.
Alex Russell, ceo of Bourne Education Trust, expressed excitement about the development, noting the collaboration with Surrey County Council, Willmott Dixon, and Freemantle’s School in Woking.
The project is part of a broader initiative, alongside other NZiO examples such as the redevelopment of Bridgend College and St Lawrence SEND School in Sleaford.
In January 2026, the construction of Hopescourt School’s permanent site in Walton upon Thames is progressing well. Regular updates and photos are being shared with the school community, showcasing the development of the new building.
A site mascot, Henry Hopescourt, a friendly duck, has been introduced to engage families and students, appearing in weekly photo updates. The community is encouraged to follow the progress on the school’s website, as each update brings them closer to providing students with the specialist learning environment they deserve.
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