(UK) Huddersfield: New special school for 132 students underway; more places in other schools
- The end of childhood
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Dec 18, 2025, Yorkshire Post: 'Momentous new chapter' - New Yorkshire special school begins to take shape
Strides have been made as a Huddersfield special school looks ahead to a “momentous new chapter”.
The Joseph Norton Academy is currently located in Scissett but a new school is under construction at the site of the old Deighton Centre at Deighton Road.
When the build is complete, Joseph Norton Academy will relocate from its existing premises and begin a new chapter as Josie Thirkell Academy.
The school will cater for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
The development will increase the school’s capacity from 63 to 132 places for children and young people aged four to 18, providing greater opportunities of co-education for a wider age range, with the introduction of a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 5 offer. . . .
"This purpose-built school and sanctuary will offer a transformative space where students feel safe, understood and empowered to flourish. It represents our commitment to Kirklees and Kirklees’ commitment to children with SEMH needs.”
As part of its work to transform support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Kirklees Council is also rebuilding and relocating Woodley School & College, which supports autistic pupils aged five to 19. Additional SEND places are also being created across other schools in the district.
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