Plans to build two new special schools have been given the green light.
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed to Cambridgeshire County Council that Greensands Academy in Gamlingay and Lime Academy in March will go ahead, creating 270 new places in the county.
These schools will help meet the growing demand for specialist education across the area.
The DfE had previously suggested an alternative funding plan, but the council rejected it in February and called for the original schools to be delivered as promised.
Edna Murphy, chair of the Children and Young People Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "I’m very pleased that the DfE has accepted our considered position that both Greensands Academy and Lime Academy are urgently needed in Cambridgeshire, and that they will be honouring their previous commitment to deliver these new special schools.
"This is good news for our exceptionally pressurised SEND system, but more importantly, it is good news for children and young people with SEND and their families across our county."
The DfE’s regional director for the East of England, Jonathan Duff, has since confirmed that the Secretary of State has accepted the council’s decision.
He also noted the council’s desire that delivery of both schools should now move forward with pace.
Since 2020, Cambridgeshire has seen a 71 per cent increase in children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from 2020 to 2025.
This reflects a wider national trend of rising demand for SEND provision.
Ms Murphy said: "For a number of years already these schools have been a key part of our plans to ensure we have sufficient provision long-term to support the needs of Cambridgeshire’s children within the county.
"These places are needed now and must be delivered by Government as soon as possible.
"I look forward to discussing delivery timescales with the DfE."
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