(UK) Dudley: Cost of special (autism) school for 155 rises to $24M
- The end of childhood
- Oct 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Oct 17, 2025, Express and Star: Cost of controversial Dudley special school project has risen to £17.7 million [$24M]
The cost of building a new school for children with special needs has risen by £1.6 million, a new report reveals. . . .
The project has come under fire from opposition leaders, who said the council could not afford it in the present financial climate.
But Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, has insisted that the council would plough on with the scheme, saying it will save the authority money in the long term.
In an update on the council's capital programme, Councillor Harley said: "An increase in budget of £1.6 million from £16.1 million to £17.7 million is proposed in line with latest projections. . . .
He said that additional budget could be sourced from children’s capital grant fund.
The school, on the site of the former Pensnett School, will cater for 155 pupils aged three-19, with acute special needs, including those with autism and profound and multiple learning difficulties.
He said that at present the council was having to spend £60,000 [$80K] to £90,000 [$120K] a year for each child to use special private provision. Once complete, the new school would reduce the cost to £30,000 [$40K] per pupil. . . .
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new special educational needs school in Dudley, a landmark achievement for our community. . . .
“It’s a proud step forward in providing inclusive, local education for all our children."
Headmistress Marie Hunter added: “We are delighted to see our new school site nearing completion, it truly is a dream come true for the staff, pupils and parents.
“The facilities here will help us to meet the complex needs of our pupils and enhance provision for our incredible Pens Meadow Community.”
Comments