Plans submitted to convert former private school in Boston into special educational needs site

Aspris Children’s Services has applied to Boston Borough Council to make a number of alterations at the former St George’s Preparatory School, in London Road.

Aspris Children’s Services provides specialist education and care services for ages four to 25 across the country.

Locally, it operates Bridge House School, which offers placements to children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, including those who have experienced trauma. The school – which has three sites in or around the town – also supports a number of pupils with diagnoses such as ADHD and autism.

Aspris intends to use the former St George’s site as a replacement for the school’s Grantham Road campus.

Headteacher at Bridge House School Clare Hiom said: “We’re excited to announce plans for a new campus for Bridge House School in Boston. This development reflects our commitment as part of Aspris to support children and young people to achieve their potential and meet the growing demand for specialist education locally.

“The new campus will be located at 126 London Road, a beautiful Grade II-listed building with historical significance for the town. We are proud to become custodians of this heritage and will restore the building with care and respect, creating a modern, inclusive learning environment designed around the needs of our students.

“This development will replace our current Grantham Road base, while our primary provision (in Great Fen Road) and Carlton Road campus remain unchanged. The London Road site will provide significantly more space and facilities, enabling us to do what we already do well even better.

“Importantly, it will allow us to support more children locally, helping to ease the pressure on families and carers who often wait too long for the right specialist placement.”

Proposed alterations at the site include the addition of a covered walkway, a rear canopy, and a multi-use game area, all to the rear.

The new site would increase the number of pupils that could be taken on by the school from 105 to 126.

Mrs Hiom added: “At Bridge House, we believe every young person has potential. Our role is to see that potential, nurture it, and help overcome the challenges that stand in the way. Through a holistic approach, we build confidence, resilience, and ambition, preparing students for fulfilling lives as successful, caring, and contributing members of society.

“This investment is about more than a new building. It’s about responding to a real local need, creating hope for the next generation, and ensuring families can access high-quality specialist provision close to home.”

The former St George’s was built between 1884-86 as a house for borough architect and habour engineer William Henry Wheeler.

It was subsequently converted to office use for Boston Rural District Council, before becoming a school in 2011.

St George’s closed last year, blaming new ‘financial burdens’ from the Government.