(UK) Consett: $35M for 170 place "complex disabilities" school
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Feb 12, 2026, Northern Echo: Villa Real School 'delighted' after council backs £26m [$35M] build
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25845803.villa-real-school-delighted-council-backs-26m-build/
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he headteacher of a school for children with complex disabilities has welcomed plans to build a new £26 million [$35M] facility.
Durham County Council agreed to release funding for Villa Real School, Consett, on Wednesday (February 11), as part of a wider expansion of special educational provision across the county.
The school, which currently supports 120 pupils, could expand to 170 amid increased demand for specialist services.
Villa Real School has been delivering conductive education as part of its curriculum for the last two decades, including support for children with severe, profound, medical and complex learning difficulties. . .
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Jill Bowe, headteacher at Villa Real School, said: “We have been seeking ways to secure funding for a new school for several years, so our pupils can have the best provision to meet their needs.
“We are absolutely delighted that a new state-of-the-art building will now be in process. Our pupils, staff and families are so happy with the news. . . .
Cathy Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We’re thrilled to take the first step today by agreeing to proposals to invest in Villa Real School. I’m sure this will also be a welcome announcement for families, to know that their children can go to school in a brand-new facility that is tailored to meet their needs.”
Last year, the council agreed to issue a ‘County Durham Care Emergency’, which Reform said would help recognise the “critical and escalating crisis” in children's social care, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
“As part of our declared Care Emergency, we made a commitment as a Cabinet to invest in the services that are vital to our communities,” Cllr Hunt added.
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