(UK) Deighton: New special school increases places from 63 to 132; 'growing national demand'

Sept 23, 2025, Kirklees Local TV: Ground Broken on New Deighton Special School to Transform Learning for Children with SEMH Needs

https://kirkleeslocaltv.com/raising-eyebrows-on-ashbrow/ground-broken-on-new-deighton-special-school-to-transform-learning-for-children-with-semh-needs

Joseph Norton Academy to relocate from Scissett to a purpose-built facility, doubling capacity and improving access for families across Kirklees

Young learners joined representatives from Kirklees Council, Wellspring Academy Trust, Joseph Norton Academy, Wates Construction and other partners to mark the start of construction on a brand-new, purpose-built special school in Deighton.

When completed, Joseph Norton Academy will move from its current home in Scissett to the former Deighton Centre site on Deighton Road, Huddersfield.

Why the Academy is Relocating

The Academy’s current semi-rural site has provided unique learning experiences, such as a school farm, but its ageing buildings and restrictive grounds have made further development difficult.

The new Deighton facility has been designed with direct input from young learners. It will provide a modern, high-quality learning environment tailored to children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.

With the addition of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 5 provision, capacity will more than double from 63 to 132 places, covering ages 4 to 18. . . .

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of the Council, said: “With growing national demand for specialist school places, this major development will help meet local needs, expand provision in Kirklees, and ensure more children can access high-quality education in Kirklees.

“Once completed, the new school building will increase capacity at Joseph Norton Academy to 132 places. This means more children with SEND to be educated locally, providing greater support for local families, as well as delivering long-term financial savings for the council. . . .

Councillor Jane Rylah, Cabinet Member for Education, added: “I’m especially excited to see building works start at Deighton. We’re not just building a school for Joseph Norton Academy, we’re building brighter futures for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“It’s wonderful that pupils and families helped shape the school’s design. The new school will provide a tailor-made environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential for generations to come.”. . .

Part of a Wider Investment in SEND

This new school forms part of a wider transformation of support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Kirklees.

Alongside the Joseph Norton Academy project, work is also underway to rebuild and relocate Woodley School & College, which supports autistic pupils aged 5 to 19. Additional SEND places are being created across the district. . . .