A SCHOOL in Taunton is set to expand after joining a multi academy trust.

Sky College, off Pickeridge Close, has been renamed Sky Academy since the start of this month, when it became part of the Learn@ Multi Academy Trust.

The college, which specialises in supporting boys aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, is now part of a network of specialist schools.

Image of the planned expansion of Sky College

Image of the planned expansion of Sky College

Currently the school has 83 students with plans to expand to 120 places when construction of new classrooms is completed next year.

Demand for places has been rising steadily in the last three years and it is currently the only SEMH specialist school in Somerset.

Joining Learn@ Multi Academy Trust allows Sky access to specialist staff training and networks; improved access to professionals such as speech and language specialists, educational psychologists and social workers; and finance and administrative functions.

Headteacher David Simmons said: “Joining a specialist multi-academy trust will support our school to grow and provide opportunities for all our staff and pupils.

"I’m delighted that we’ve found a trust that shares our ethos and focus on meaningful outcomes for all students and we are confident that we can add to the continued success of the Learn@ Trust.”

Learn@ Multi-Academy Trust chief executive Peter Evans said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sky Academy to our network of specialist schools where we support students with a variety of complex needs.

"Working with Sky Academy, we’re aiming to help the school grow to meet local needs and eventually provide access for younger students."