A Wales-based company has bought its first school and residential homes in England in a multi-million-pound deal.

Orbis Education and Care have bought the property in Gloucestershire, and Orbis Abbey Rose will educate and home 30 children who have complex needs associated with autism.

Mike Currier, managing director of Orbis Education and Care, said: “We are thrilled to have bought our first home in England. It is a milestone purchase for the business and further extends our provision for children with specialist needs associated with autism on and near the Welsh border.

“It comes on the back of considerable growth in 2017 for Orbis, with the opening of three new schools and 200 new staff recruited into the business, and we couldn’t be more delighted to now be bringing all that we’ve learned in Wales to England for the benefit of young people and their families here too.”

Orbis Education and Care currently run 14 schools, residential homes and facilities for children and adults in England and Wales.

Mr Currier added: “The building is a former 19 century house and a grammar school. Its facilities are wonderful, with extensive ground and a sports hall. It even has a battlefield from the War of the Roses within its gardens, hence the name Abbey Rose.

“We are really excited that we will be opening the doors to this wonderful school soon and welcoming new residents, students and staff from England into the Orbis family.”

The school plans to be open early 2019 following registration and refurbishments.