A SPECIALIST school on the outskirts of York has been given the green light by Ofsted to nearly double its student capacity.
Lord Gowthorpe’s Independent School in Dunnington, York will now be able to increase its intake from 25 to 45 pupils after a successful Ofsted inspection and recent expansion.
The independent school, which opened in 2024, supports students with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) - focusing on those with social and communication needs.
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In the report, Ofsted supported the application to increase the schools intake - stating that the owners have a 'clear vision' for the school and 'the knowledge and skills to ensure that the school meets the standards consistently.'
Georgina Gowthorpe, director of the school, said: "We were fortunate to have been given the opportunity to take on extra space at the school, which has doubled our school footprint.
"We now have a large outdoor playground, giving the students opportunity for outdoor play and outdoor learning. We have created an IT suite equipped with new computers and iPad and a Music Studio with high-tech DJ-ing and audio production suite.
Students at Lord Gowthorpe's (Image: Provided)
"Our students will be given the opportunity to achieve vocational qualifications in these areas alongside our current offer of British Horse Society qualifications at our farm site.
"We are looking forward to seeing our young people develop in both academic and creative studies."
The school also offers an 'Engage' provision for students who struggle with regular attendance or risk burnout due to their special educational needs.
Jess Jackson, headteacher, said: "Even though we are a school that puts our young people at the centre of everything that we do, we are still a school.
Students at Lord Gowthorpe's (Image: Provided)
"There are still high expectations as we support our young people in reaching their academic and wellbeing goals. Our Engage suite will help our young people to re-engage when they need support around attendance or with their school day in general.
"There will be several vocational and holistic activities running throughout the day which have meaning and purpose alongside an academic 1:1 offer, which will ensure our students are not falling behind, without having the overwhelm of the full school environment, if needed."
The school has also acquired the on-site garage, The Garage at Lord Gowthorpe’s, manned by professionally qualified mechanics and open to the public.
Students at Lord Gowthorpe's (Image: Provided)
Adele Lord-Laverick, director, said: "Our onsite garage has a separate area where aspiring young mechanics can learn a trade, helping them to transition to a mechanics course or apprenticeship once leaving school.
"We have already had great success in this area with one of our students leaving last year to complete a year of studies at York College and has now secured an apprenticeship.
"We feel incredibly blessed to be in a position where we can support our next generation of academics and vocational workers onto the next step in their education or working lives."