(UK) Malvern: 120 place autism school gets go ahead

Aug 29, 2025, Malvern Observer: Plans for Malvern autism school confirmed after funding fears 

https://malvernobserver.co.uk/news/plans-for-malvern-autism-school-confirmed-after-funding-fears 

Central England

A new free school for autistic children in Malvern will still go ahead, despite recent concerns it could be shelved, West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has confirmed. The £30 million [$41M] project was thrown into doubt in July when Worcestershire County Council’s new Reform-led leadership warned of severe financial pressures and inherited debt.

At an overview and scrutiny committee meeting, councillor Dr Stephen Foster, cabinet member for education and SEND, questioned whether the Government would maintain its financial commitment to the scheme. His remarks prompted fears the long-awaited school could be abandoned, despite its approval earlier this year under the Department for Education’s (DfE) free schools programme. Dame Harriett swiftly intervened, writing to both the council and the DfE to seek urgent clarification.

The school, to be run by MacIntyre Academies, was first announced in February 2024 and is earmarked for Poolbrook, Malvern.

It will provide 120 places for autistic children aged 5 to 19 who are unable to access mainstream provision, with an expected opening date of 2027. . . .

Responding to Dame Harriett’s intervention, Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell confirmed the project remains on schedule and that the DfE is working with the council to accelerate progress. A site has already been earmarked and an operator appointed.

Dame Harriett said: “There has been local concern about whether the new Reform-led council would shelve the Malvern school as part of a spending reduction exercise. “I have been reassured that the school still remains on the schedule and that the Department for Education is looking to speed up the work.

“This will both meet local need and reduce the costs of sending children out of county.” She added she would continue to monitor the project closely over the coming months. Councillor Foster has since said the £30.1m investment approved at the February 2025 council meeting is largely funded by the DfE.