A £1 million modular accommodation project at Hollywater School was officially unveiled last week, marking a major upgrade to facilities for Post-16 students.

The opening was attended by Cllr Andy Tree, who represents Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford, alongside Cllr Steve Forster, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education, as well as members of the school community.

Headteacher Brigid Ryan delivered an emotive speech, telling guests that society is judged by how it supports its most vulnerable children and their families .

Cllr Tree added: “When I hear the words ‘Hollywater School,’ I immediately think of the happy faces I’ve seen at awards ceremonies, end-of-term discos and summer fetes over the years.”

The £1 million project was approved by Hampshire County Council in January 2025 and funded through the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation Grant, with additional contributions from the school.

The funding enabled the construction of a bespoke modular building over the summer, providing two classrooms, one for life skills and food technology and the other a formal teaching space, along with office accommodation, hygiene facilities, a one-to-one room and storage for Post-16 pupils.

Secure external social areas for students have also been created.

The modular installation has allowed further improvements to the existing school buildings, including the conversion of the former Post-16 area into a staffroom, the transformation of the previous staffroom into an additional classroom, and upgrades to external play and social spaces through new landscaping and fencing.

Cllr Forster thanked everyone involved in delivering the project, while Cllr Tree said the use of shared contractors and careful planning had helped ensure the scheme was cost-effective while significantly improving the learning environment.

The improvements at Hollywater School are expected to deliver long-term benefits for both students and staff, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing a supportive and dynamic educational environment.