Lisburne School, a specialist school in Stockport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), been recognised for its inclusive design at the Education Estates Awards.
The Education Estates Awards celebrate excellence and achievement across the education sector, with the Inclusive Design category open to projects that create fully accessible and inclusive learning environments for all pupils.
Lisburne School is a £15.5 million specialist SEND school in Offerton, which opened in December last year, was designed by AtkinsRéalis and provides 208 places for children aged 4–11 with complex needs such as autism, severe learning difficulties, and physical disabilities.
Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Stockport Council, said:
“Winning this award is fantastic recognition for everyone who played a part in creating Lisburne School. It’s a true example of what can be achieved when we invest in inclusive, high-quality spaces that put children at the heart of design. This school is transforming lives and making a real difference to families and the wider community in Stockport.”
Lisburne School Headteacher Samantha Benson said:
“On behalf of our whole school community, I would like to extend our thanks to the team at Atkins Realis for their dedication, care and determination to bring our vision to life, by creating the most amazing SEND provision for children across Stockport.
“Creating a space that is not only functional but also inspiring, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our pupils is no small feat. From the very beginning, the team listened with empathy, collaborated with integrity and worked tirelessly to capture our vision perfectly. We are extremely lucky to work in the most incredible building which allows us to support every child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive. A huge congratulations to everybody involved in the whole journey. “
Stewart Macleod, Market Director for Buildings & Places at AtkinsRéalis, said:
“We are extremely proud of our track record in the education sector where we have seen significant growth in recent years, and this amazing recognition is really down to our teams around the country who work tirelessly to deliver for our clients. The added benefit from our education projects is the social value they bring to communities — providing inspiring places to learn that truly reflect our purpose as a business.”
Three other Stockport schools have been recognised as finalists for the Educate Awards, the North West’s largest celebration of education excellence. The awards honour schools, academies, and individuals making a real difference in education across the region.
Stockport’s finalists include:
- St James’ Catholic High School – Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School, recognising schools that encourage participation, teamwork, and sporting success.
- Corie Higgins (Stockport Academy) – Teacher of the Year, celebrating inspirational teachers who go above and beyond for their pupils.
- The Pendlebury Centre – Most Inspirational Specialist School, highlighting schools that provide exceptional support for students with additional needs.
The winners of the Educate Awards will be announced on Friday 14 November at Liverpool Cathedral.
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