On Tuesday 14 October, the school welcomed Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould, to formally open the newly renovated building. She was joined by Helen Hayes MP and Southwark Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees, Councillor Jasmine Ali —both long-time supporters of the Charter East project.

The transformation of the historic site was led by Southwark Council and the Department for Education under the free school programme, with construction carried out by Neilcott Construction. The second phase of development has delivered a range of modern facilities including:

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• A spacious main hall and drama studio
• A brand-new library
• Bespoke music classrooms
• A dedicated sixth form study centre

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In a significant investment in inclusive education, Southwark Council contributed £6.55 million towards the development of a specialist Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) resource. Located in the East Wing of the original Victorian building, the ASD centre provides up to 25 places for students with additional needs, alongside the school’s 1,700 places for students aged 11 to 18.

This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to creating inspiring, inclusive learning environments for young people across the borough.

The Charter School East Dulwich first opened in 2016 on a temporary site in Peckham. Phase one of the new development was completed in January 2019, and this final phase marks the school’s full transition into its permanent home.

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Councillor Jasmine Ali said:

“We know that all the children and teaching professionals at Charter East Dulwich have been eagerly awaiting this move for some time, and I’m so pleased to see the final result of this renovation. The upgraded space for teaching, studying and enrichment will be of huge value to students and seeing a beautiful building repurposed in an effective way for the local community is a great example of the work we want to continue to achieve in Southwark.”

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Headteacher Alison Harbottle added:

“It has been a lengthy journey since we opened in 2016, but we are extremely grateful to the Department for Education and Southwark for supporting this project. The additional teaching and support spaces now available to our students will enrich their learning experience and support our aim to be a place to belong for young people from across our part of Southeast London."

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Cassie Buchanan, CEO of The Charter Trust, reflected on the broader mission:

“The completion of this project represents not just the opening of a new building, but the continuation of a powerful vision. A truly local comprehensive school, where children from all backgrounds learn side by side, without selection or barriers. This school, and this new campus, bring that mission to life in bricks and mortar."

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