(UK) Harrogate: $2M 80 place autism school planned; 110% increase since 2016

Nov 26, 2024, BBC: Work under way on new school for autistic children

N. England

Building work has begun to create a new secondary school for autistic children.

The £2m [$2.5M] scheme is transforming the former Woodfield Community Primary School, at Bilton in Harrogate, which closed in 2022.

The new school had initially been expected to open in September, but earlier this year North Yorkshire Council said it would not be completed until September 2025 but did not give a reason for the delay.

The school, which will include state-of-the-art classrooms, a sensory room and outdoor learning spaces, will cater for 80 autistic pupils aged between 11 and 19.

The council said the school will help address a rising demand for specialist education in North Yorkshire.

It said the number of young people identified with special education needs and disabilities and an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in the area had increased by more than 110% since 2016.

The growth in demand means an additional capacity of 350 special education needs and disabilities school places will be developed over the next three to five years. . . .

"It will help to meet a rising demand for special school places in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding area.”  . . .