Garden Village Free School in Darlington approved for 96 pupils
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:44 · Archive
A new special school for autistic pupils in Darlington has been approved with 96 places, double the original plan.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell has approved the Garden Village Free School in Darlington, which will serve 96 students aged 11 to 19 with autism spectrum disorder. Originally designed for 48 pupils, the Department for Education doubled provision to meet local need in the area.
The school will be built on land owned by Darlington Council as part of the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT). It will be a multi-million-pound investment, located in West Park near Newton Lane. Around 100 staff, including a principal, deputy, teachers, teaching assistants and therapists, will work at the facility.
EVAT already operates Beaumont Hill Academy and Sixth Form College and Marchbank Free School, alongside several other schools in Darlington and neighbouring areas. Chief executive Marie Roe said the new school would improve the learning experience of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities in Darlington, many of whom currently travel great distances for education.
Roe added that having the provision locally would build pupils' resilience, relationships and improve their life chances. The school will offer what EVAT described as an 'inspirational learning environment' for young people with autism spectrum disorder.
The Department for Education has committed to spending more than £105 million over the next four years building 15 special needs schools across the country. This follows greater recognition of pupils' learning difficulties, particularly around autism.
How it is being reported
- Darlington set for new special school after government approvalDarlington’s 96-place Garden Village Free School for autistic pupils aged 11-19 is approved, doubling planned SEND provision in a multi-million-pound project.Darlington & Stockton Times · 9 Oct, 06:00
- Darlington set for new special school after government approvalDarlington’s 96-place Garden Village Free School for autistic pupils has been approved by Education Secretary Lucy Powell, doubling specialist places.The Northern Echo · 9 Oct, 06:00
- Student places doubled for new SEND schoolThe Garden Village Free School in Darlington will cater for 96 students with autism.BBC Tees · 7 Oct, 14:37
In this story: Lucy Powell · Darlington · Education Village Academy Trust · Department for Education · Marie Roe · Beaumont Hill Academy · Marchbank Free School
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