(UK) Wakefield: $13M special school approved; 'demand for specialist places rising nationally'

July 22, 2026, Wakefield Express:  'A fantastic asset for our district': £10M SEND school plan at former fire centre given go-ahead

Wakefield Council’s cabinet agreed to proposals to repurpose the building, which was built by the government 16 years ago at a cost of £14m but never used, to provide 120 specialist secondary school places.

The council acquired the site at Snow Hill in March this year and plans to use £10m [$13M] of high needs provision funding from the Department for Education to complete the work.

Matthew Caton, the council’s portfolio holder for children and young people, told a cabinet meeting that the new school would focus on providing support for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

He said: “Wakefield does stand above the national average for requirement on this. . . .

A council spokesperson previously said: “Demand for specialist places is rising nationally and councils everywhere are under pressure to find sustainable solutions.

“The new school is part of how the council aims to meet the challenge locally and make a real difference for families. . . .