(UK) Darlington: Autism school for 96 students/100 staff "to meet local demand" **

Oct 7, 2026, BBC News: Student places doubled for new SEND school - Yahoo News Canada

A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been given the go-ahead with twice the number of places than originally planned.

Secretary of State for Education Lucy Powell approved plans for the Garden Village Free School in Darlington, which will cater for students with autism spectrum disorder.

Originally designed to serve 48 pupils, the Department for Education (DfE) has agreed to double provision for 11 to 19-year-olds to meet local need.

The facility will be built on land owned by Darlington Borough Council as part of the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT). The trust said the school would provide an "inspirational learning environment" for pupils.

About 100 staff will work in the brand new facility near Newton Lane, West Park, offering 96 places to students with autism. Plans for the school were initially approved in 2023, after a growing need was identified for specialist places in the area.

EVAT operates a number of schools and a sixth form college for pupils with additional needs in Darlington and neighbouring areas. These include Beaumont Hill Academy and Sixth Form College and Marchbank Free School.

'Better life chances'

EVAT chief executive Marie Roe said: "The Garden Village School will improve the learning experience of pupils with SEND in Darlington, many of whom have to travel great distances from home for their education. . . .

In 2024, the DfE announced its commitment to spending more than £105m [$139M] over four years by building 15 special needs schools throughout England.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children and young people said it was "fantastic news for Darlington families".