Kirklees special schools plan takes next step as green light secured

Ambitious plans to rebuild and relocate two Kirklees special schools are moving forward after funding got the green light.

The draw down of cash will allow “vital development works” for Joseph Norton Academy and Woodley School and College to progress. The report to cabinet says that just over £48m has been budgeted for the scheme - £11m over the original projection - with the funds being a mixture of government grant and council borrowing.

Joseph Norton is currently based in Scissett, offering 63 places for pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties, but Kirklees Council says that the site has limited scope for expansion.

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Planning permission has already been granted to rebuild the school in Deighton, and this is expected to be completed by Spring 2026. The new facility will increase the number of places to 132 and include a high-quality learning environment in a more central location.

Woodley School and College, for children and young people with complex autism, currently operates from multiple buildings at a site off Dog Kennel Bank. While additional teaching spaces have been added over time, any further developments are restricted due to the site, the council says.

Relocating to a new site will create additional places for pupils aged 5-15 years, with a post-16 provision also included. Kirklees Council says that the planned move to Fernside Avenue in Almondbury will provide excellent and improved facilities whilst reducing the need for pupils to travel outside of Kirklees for their education.

The project at Woodley is expected to be finished by Autumn 2026. To make way for the Almondbury development, the village’s former community school will be torn down in October, along with its “life-expired” swimming pool and closed sports centre.

A private pre-school had also operated from the site but will be moving to the Almondbury Library and Children’s Centre, with the council forking out £68k to improve the “underused” creche facility already in the library.

Now funding has been approved, the council will appoint a building contractor to construct the new Joseph Norton Academy and also appoint a specialist contractor to clear the Fernside Avenue site, ahead of a new school being built for Woodley.

Cllr Habiban Zaman, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic news that our plans for both of these schools are moving into the next phase.

“The rebuilds are a key part of our work to transform local services linked to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They will support local pupils to fulfil their potential. We are building capacity in our schools system and addressing the rising demand for specialist places whilst providing top-class, modern facilities.

“These projects will also bring long-term financial savings by reducing the number of pupils who are educated elsewhere. Most importantly, they will support vulnerable children and young people to enjoy the best start in life.”

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