An education provision based in the Fens has formally applied to the Department for Education (DfE) to become an independent specialist school.
Sage Education Provision, based in March, hopes to open its doors to pupils as an approved school by Easter 2026.
Established in April 2024, Sage has already made a strong impact in the local community by offering personalised education and support for young people who benefit from a smaller, nurturing learning environment.
The proposed independent school, to be called ‘The Sage School', will cater for up to 30 pupils aged 11 to 18.
It will provide full-time education for students experiencing emotional barriers to school attendance (EBSA) who may be struggling to attend a mainstream school setting due to anxiety or medical needs.
Gemma Fulcher and Sarah Amor, who have extensive experience in education and SEND provision, founded Sage in 2024.
They said there are many young people with Education, Health and Care Plans in the Fenland community who are unable to attend mainstream school due to their significant emotional barriers.
"We would like to offer these young people a permanent, small, safe and productive learning environment," added Sarah, who is a qualified English teacher and SENDCo with a background in developing nurture groups, alternative education programmes, and life-skills courses for students with additional needs.
She said there is currently an increasing shortage of specialist school places across Cambridgeshire and the wider region.
"Many parents are struggling to find suitable settings for their children, with some travelling long distances or facing long waiting times for appropriate provision," Sarah added.
"The Sage School hopes to help meet this urgent need by offering high-quality, specialist education within the heart of Fenland.
Gemma Fulcher, director of Sage Education, said: “We’re delighted to take this next step in our journey.
“Since opening last April, we’ve seen how much our learners can achieve when they are supported in a calm, understanding and individualised environment.
“We have seen the confidence of the young people we support improve significantly."
A qualified teacher with over 18 years’ experience, including senior leadership roles in secondary schools focusing on teaching, learning, and pastoral care, she described applying to become an independent specialist school as a "natural progression for us.
"It will ensure we can continue to meet the growing needs of local young people and their families."
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She added: "We’re very hopeful that, with DfE approval, we’ll open officially as an independent specialist school by Easter 2026.”
Sarah Amor, SENDCo, added: “Our focus is always on helping every student thrive — academically, socially and emotionally.
“We want to be able to prepare our pupils for life, so that they have choices available to them, contribute to their community and feel a sense of self-worth.
“This change will give us the structure to keep delivering high-quality, specialist education that truly changes lives.”
If approved by the DfE, the new independent specialist school will continue to operate from its site in March.
Visit www.sageeducationprovision.com or email gfulcher@thesageschool.co.uk for more information.
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