A new independent school catering to children with special educational needs will begin operations at the former site of Highfield Prep School in Maidenhead. The school, named Bray Bridge School, is set to open in spring 2027 following the acquisition of the historic site by educational provider Spaghetti Bridge.
Highfield Prep, which had been operational for over a century, closed in the summer of 2023 due to a combination of declining pupil numbers, the introduction of VAT on school fees, and increased employer National Insurance contributions. The site has remained vacant since its closure, but Dan Alipaz, CEO of Spaghetti Bridge, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating the team is “incredibly excited” to enhance educational provision in Maidenhead.
Bray Bridge School will offer 65 specialist places for children and young people aged six to 19. The school aims to support a diverse range of needs, including speech, language, and communication difficulties; autism; social, emotional, and mental health challenges; as well as trauma-related experiences.
Innovative Educational Approach
The new institution will implement Spaghetti Bridge’s innovative Enterprise Learning approach. This model integrates robust relational support with project-based academic and skills-focused learning. The school is designed to align with the organization’s Beautiful Schools Policy, a framework that ensures learning environments are therapeutically informed and tailored to meet diverse needs.
According to Spaghetti Bridge, this policy aims to create high-quality, purposeful spaces that reflect 21st-century workplaces, preparing students for life beyond school. The CEO emphasized that the design of Bray Bridge School will reflect these principles, ensuring that the learning environment fosters both academic success and emotional well-being.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
The opening of Bray Bridge School marks Spaghetti Bridge’s 13th acquisition in its mission to provide specialized educational services. The organization currently operates several other institutions, including Oak Bridge School in Croydon, Chilton Bridge School in Yeovil, Heather Bridge School in Devon, and Hampton Bridge School in Northampton.
As Spaghetti Bridge prepares for renovations and the launch of Bray Bridge School, the commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for children with special needs remains at the forefront. This initiative not only aims to fill the gap left by the closure of Highfield Prep but also aspires to create a supportive and enriching environment for students in the area.
