(UK) Warrington: New special school for post-16 students with complex needs
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
June 10, 2026, New SEND Post-16 College ‘RISE’ announced ahead of move to Great Sankey site
Warrington Borough Council and local school leaders have announced the name and transition timeline for a new specialist Post-16 college provision for students with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The new provision, located on Peace Drive in Great Sankey, represents a significant investment by the council to expand high-quality education opportunities for Post-16 and Post-19 learners with the most complex needs. The development will also form part of the wider Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball Peace Campus, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity and community.The project brings new life to a building with significant local history, through its re-use and extension to create a modern, purpose-built environment tailored to the needs of learners.Currently based at Woolston Learning Village, the provision will relocate to the new facility designed to meet the specific needs of its students. The new building will support greater independence, skills development and inclusion, helping students to thrive both within education and beyond.
Following months of collaboration between school leaders, Warrington Borough Council and project teams, the new college has been officially named:
RISE College – “Where teamwork helps lift everyone up, so that they can shine.”
The name was chosen through a student-led process, with Post-16 learners playing a central role in shaping the identity of their new college. Students explored themes of belonging, community and aspiration, generating ideas, debating options and ultimately voting on the final name.RISE reflects the values identified by students as most important to them: Resilience, Independence, Skills and Empowerment, alongside a strong belief in teamwork.Headteacher Lucinda Duffy said: “This move represents a hugely positive step forward for our students, families, staff and the wider community. We are incredibly proud that our students have played such a meaningful role in shaping the identity of their new college. RISE perfectly captures their aspirations and the values we promote every day.
”Cllr Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “The development of RISE College reflects our strong commitment to improving SEND provision across Warrington. This new facility will give young people with complex needs the specialist environment and support they deserve, helping them build confidence, independence and essential life skills. It’s especially encouraging to see students at the heart of this project, shaping a college that truly reflects their ambitions.” . . .
Comments