(UK) Wakefield: Special school for 'critically needed' SPED places proposed

Sept 18, 2026, Wakefield Express: Lupset Hall: ‘Tragically neglected’ manor house set to become SEN school

A derelict 18th Century manor house in Wakefield could be transformed into a school for youngsters with special educational needs (SEN).

Plans have been submitted to convert Lupset Hall into an educational facility for around 70 pupils.

The Grade II* listed property dates back to 1716 and was the home of Wakefield’s first MP but has been “tragically neglected” in recent years, a report said.   . . .

Plans have been submitted to convert Lupset Hall, in Wakefield, into a special educational needs school

Plans were then put forward on two occasions to convert the site into housing but neither were completed.

Nine Points Property, the building’s new owner, this week applied to the council for a change of use of the property to allow it to become an education centre.

A statement submitted on behalf of the developer said: “This scheme proposes to convert Lupset Hall into an SEN school to provide critically needed safe learning spaces for children from the local area. . .

Councillors Clare Besford and Paul Rowling from Stockton Council. (Image: LDRS)

Deputy leader Cllr Paul Rowling said they strove to improve children’s life chances: “I think these recommendations really do that. We’re providing better value for money for the taxpayers and for the authority

“It’s not just reducing the costs of those out-of-area places, it’s actually improving the experience.

"It was wasting money but there was quite a lot of evidence it wasn’t the best for children as well. It’s absolutely the right direction of travel.”

He said other councils may be “watching very closely” to model their services on Stockton’s: “Once again it’s an example of this authority leading the way in terms of looking for positive change.”