Plans to transform The George in Doddington into SEND school

The Sage School has applied to Fenland District Council for permission to convert the vacant George pub in Doddington into provision for pupils aged 11 to 18 who experience Emotional Barriers to School Attendance, often known as EBSA.

The proposed school would build on The Sage School’s existing specialist provision in March and is intended to create additional places for young people whose needs cannot be met in mainstream education.

Plans have been submitted to transform The George pub in Doddington into a specialist independent school, providing much-needed support for young people with special educational needs. (Image: Google Maps/Street View)

The school said it would support pupils experiencing barriers linked to anxiety, emotional wellbeing and mental-health challenges, offering an educational setting designed around their individual needs.

Local authorities increasingly refer young people to specialist settings where mainstream schools are unable to provide the right support.

The Doddington proposal is intended to help meet demand for SEND provision locally and further afield.

The George, located in the heart of the village, has struggled to operate as a viable pub for several years.

The Sage School, which already has a facility in March, is hoping to convert a Fenland village pub into a new special school. (Image: The Sage School)

Wisbech-based Elgood’s Brewery owns the building and has continued to market the premises as a tenancy opportunity. However, the site has proved difficult to lease, and no long-term future as a licensed pub has been secured.

Elgood’s is supporting the proposed change of use, according to The Sage School. The plans would involve improving the currently empty building and creating a new educational environment rather than allowing it to remain vacant.

Gemma Fulcher, proprietor and headteacher of The Sage School, said: “We are incredibly excited about the opportunity to bring The George back into positive use and create something that can make a real difference to young people and families.

“There is a significant need for specialist SEND places, particularly for young people who are unable to access mainstream education because of anxiety and emotional and mental health challenges.

The Sage School is hoping to convert a Fenland pub into a new special school. (Image: The Sage School)

“We have already seen through our school in March the difference that the right environment, support and approach can make to a young person’s life. Expanding our provision would allow us to support more young people who desperately need a specialist setting.”

Ms Fulcher said the proposal could improve the appearance of the site, bring activity back to the building and create employment opportunities.

She added: “The George is an important and prominent building, but it has not been viable as a pub for many years and has been difficult to lease.

“Rather than allowing the building to remain empty and deteriorate further, we have an opportunity to invest in it, improve its appearance and give it a meaningful new purpose.

“This proposal would not only improve the site itself but would also provide an important service for local families at a time when there is an increasing need for specialist education places.”

The Sage School said it would welcome questions from residents. Anyone who wants to find out more can contact Ms Fulcher at gfulcher@thesageschool.co.uk or visit The Sage School website.