Outstanding Surrey special schools join London South East Academies Trust
London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) has welcomed Manor Mead and Walton Leigh into its growing network, marking an exciting new chapter for the two outstanding Surrey specialist schools.
Previously maintained by Surrey County Council and operating as a successful federation, the Ofsted Outstanding-rated schools have joined LSEAT to further strengthen and sustain their specialist provision.
Together, the schools provide education for children and young people aged 2–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), across three sites in Shepperton, Virginia Water and Walton-on-Thames .
With the addition of Manor Mead and Walton Leigh, London South East Academies Trust continues to grow its network of high-performing mainstream and special schools across Surrey, East Sussex, Bromley, Bexley and Lambeth.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, says:
We are delighted to officially welcome Manor Mead and Walton Leigh to London South East Academies Trust. These are exceptional specialist schools with a strong reputation for delivering highly personalised, holistic education that truly makes a difference to children and young people with complex needs.“Throughout the transfer process, it has been clear that we have a shared commitment to inclusion, ambition and ‘making every day count’ for pupils. By joining our Trust, the schools will benefit from greater financial stability, enhanced collaboration and access to wider expertise, while retaining the unique identity, leadership and values that make them so special.”
Executive Headteacher of Manor Mead and Walton Leigh, Mark Bryant, adds:
“Our priority has always been to secure the very best outcomes for our pupils, families and staff, both now and in the future. Joining London South East Academies Trust gives us the stability, support and opportunities of a wider family of schools, while safeguarding the individuality, ethos and strengths of Manor Mead and Walton Leigh.“This partnership will enable us to further enhance our curriculum, therapy provision and professional development opportunities, ensuring we continue to provide outstanding education for our pupils.”
As part of the transition, Mark Bryant will continue to work closely with both schools in his new role as Director of Surrey for London South East Academies Trust, supporting the development of special provision across the region while maintaining strong leadership continuity for Manor Mead and Walton Leigh.
