Construction is progressing on Woodlands School, a new specialist education provision being developed by Dorset Council on the former St Catherine’s RC Primary School site in Colehill.
The new school expansion will accommodate approximately 56 pupils aged 5–14 (Key Stages 1–3) who would typically attend The Forum Centre, Dorset’s Pupil Referral Unit currently based in Blandford.
The Forum Centre provides education and support for pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream school, are unable to attend school due to illness, or who face significant barriers to learning. The centre also works closely with mainstream schools across Dorset to provide early intervention support, helping pupils overcome challenges before they escalate.
Woodlands School will expand this provision by offering purpose-built facilities designed to create a nurturing, imaginative and motivating learning environment, helping young people re-engage with education and achieve positive outcomes.
Construction began on 10th November 2025, with Amiri Construction appointed as principal contractor. The company delivers a wide range of new build and refurbishment projects across the public and private sectors. The new school building is expected to be completed for Autumn 2026.
A recent groundbreaking ceremony event gave pupils and staff the opportunity to visit the site, see the early stages of construction and celebrate the start of the project.
Once operational, Woodlands School will be led by Kim Rickford, Headteacher of The Forum Centre, with senior leadership staff based locally to provide strong and responsive leadership.
The project forms part of Dorset Council’s SEND Capital Strategy, which aims to expand specialist education provision across the county and ensure children with additional needs receive the tailored support and high-quality education they deserve.
Councillor Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Portfolio member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I am delighted to learn of the progress of the construction of this new school, which will make a huge difference for our children and young people, enabling them to thrive in a loving and caring environment.”
Jon Daines, Managing Director of Amiri Construction, commented: ” We are proud to be delivering Woodlands School on behalf of Dorset Council and to play a role in creating a high-quality learning environment for young people in the area. Projects like this have a lasting impact on communities, and our team is committed to delivering a facility that supports pupils, staff and families for many years to come.”
Dorset Council looks forward to working closely with the local community, parents, carers and partner agencies as the project progresses, helping to create a vibrant, supportive learning environment at Woodlands School.
