Background
Our client, a leading provider of Special Educational Needs (SEN) education, had plans to expand their network of schools in South West London to meet growing regional demand. Their existing facilities had reached capacity, and there was an urgent requirement for a new location that could accommodate specialist learning environments and outdoor areas for therapeutic use.
When Bernard Gordon & Co became aware that a former school in Wandsworth was due to come to market, we recognised the opportunity as a perfect fit. Acting swiftly, we engaged with the seller on behalf of our client to secure the property on an owner-occupier basis. The acquisition aligned with the client’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to improving SEN provision in London.
Challenges
Finding suitable properties for SEN education presents unique challenges. In London, demand for such facilities far exceeds supply, and available buildings must meet stringent Ofsted and Department for Education (DfE) requirements. The Wandsworth site required accessibility for pupils with varying mobility needs, compliance with safeguarding regulations, and sufficient outdoor play areas, all within a constrained urban setting. In addition, competition from developers and other educational operators placed pressure on pricing and negotiation timelines. We were also faced with ownership complexities, with part of the land unregistered and another section owned by Wandsworth Council. Thankfully, our clients reached a suitable solution, allowing the purchase to proceed.
The site required accessibility for pupils with varying mobility needs, compliance with safeguarding regulations, and sufficient outdoor play areas, all within a constrained urban setting. Ensuring the property met fire safety, planning, and local authority standards was critical, as was the need for an efficient acquisition process to allow refurbishment and opening by 2026. Balancing these regulatory, logistical, and timing pressures required strategic coordination between the buyer, seller, and professional advisors.
Solution
Our team acted decisively to secure the opportunity before it reached the open market. From our specialist knowledge in the education property sector, we initiated direct discussions with the vendor to negotiate an exclusive acquisition for our client. Our due diligence covered key areas such as planning class F1 use (education), building condition, and accessibility modifications necessary for SEN compliance. We liaised closely with local planning authorities to confirm continued educational use and advised the client’s legal team on safeguarding, lease structure, and statutory obligations. By maintaining clear communication between all parties, we ensured the exchange came to a successful and timely completion. The freehold acquisition provided long-term stability for the client, with the building’s layout and outdoor space offering ideal conditions for SEN learning environments. Bernard Gordon & Co’s proactive approach was instrumental in finalising the transaction quickly, well ahead of competing interest.
Result
The client successfully acquired the former school and is now progressing with a tailored refurbishment programme to create a modern, inclusive SEN facility scheduled to open in 2026. The project will deliver much-needed capacity for specialist education in the Wandsworth area, offering bespoke classrooms, therapy spaces, and accessible recreational areas. Feedback from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, recognising the social value of reinstating the site’s educational purpose.
Ben and the team at Bernard Gordon & Co were very helpful in securing our new provision in Wandsworth. They negotiated the purchase with the Vendor’s agent which made the process very seamless. Their professionalism and attention to detail were a real asset in this process
Tony Hurran – Kedleston Group
The successful outcome has strengthened the client’s presence in London and further positioned Bernard Gordon & Co as trusted specialists in education property transactions.
Lessons Learned
This project highlighted the importance of early market intelligence and decisive action when dealing with limited-supply educational properties. Understanding the unique design, compliance, and accessibility needs of SEN schools ensures that potential obstacles can be addressed before negotiations begin. Close coordination between legal, planning, and operational teams is essential for success.
Outcome
The Wandsworth acquisition demonstrates how specialist market knowledge and proactive negotiation can streamline the process of acquiring education property in London’s competitive environment. By aligning regulatory compliance with client objectives, Bernard Gordon & Co helped deliver a lasting solution that supports SEN education in the community.
Contact us to learn how we can help you acquire, lease, or sell educational premises tailored to your operational and compliance needs.