Darlington families are set to benefit after a new specialist autism school was given the green light to double its planned places and meet growing demand.
The Department for Education approved the Garden Village Free School as a 96-place school for young people aged 11 to 19 with autism, doubling its original planned capacity of 48.
The school will be built on Darlington Borough Council land at West Park, off Newton Lane, and run by the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT).
EVAT chief executive Marie Roe, Darlington Borough Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Nick Wallis, EVAT project manager David Hardcastle. (Image: PROVIDED)
The multi-million-pound project is expected to create about 100 teaching, leadership, support and therapy jobs.
The project is part of a government programme to expand specialist education, backed by more than £105 million to deliver 15 new special schools across England over the next four years.
EVAT, which runs schools and a sixth-form college for neurodivergent pupils, said the new school would bring specialist support closer to home for more young people.
Chief executive Marie Roe said: “The Garden Village School will improve the learning experience of pupils with SEND in Darlington, many of whom have to travel great distances from home for their education.”
“It will offer children and young people a great learning experience in their own community.
"Having such a provision on their doorstep will build their resilience, relationships and be so much better for their life chances.
“As a trust, our core strength is built on the expertise we have developed at Beaumont Hill and Marchbank to offer an exceptional learning experience to children who need the most support.
“This is a tremendously exciting opportunity which will allow us to prepare these young people for adulthood.
"It will be an inspirational learning environment that will maximise outcomes for young people, ensuring they have the right skills to benefit themselves and the town.”
EVAT chief executive Marie Roe, Darlington Borough Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Nick Wallis, EVAT project manager David Hardcastle. (Image: PROVIDED)
EVAT runs Beaumont Hill Academy and Sixth Form College, Marchbank Free School, Gurney Pease Academy, Reid Street Primary School, Whinfield Primary School, Springfield Academy and Haughton Academy.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, welcomed the news.
He said: “This is fantastic news for Darlington families.
"The new school will provide much-needed specialist places locally, reducing the need for pupils to travel and helping more young people access the support they need to succeed.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Education Village Academy Trust to make it happen.
Read more
‘Another nail in the coffin’ - Fury as Bishop Auckland Hospital ward faces closure
Northumbrian Water backs Future Leaders programme in North East
Darlington teenager joins support crew of famous steam locomotive Tornado
The new school will have science laboratories, arts and ceramics studios, engineering and design technology workshops and a forest school.
Students will also have access to the nearby Education Village’s interactive theatre, youth club, sports facilities, indoor and outdoor courts, playing fields, 25-metre swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool.
Personalised learning, qualifications and careers guidance will help pupils move into further education, training and work, while EVAT has strong links with Darlington College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.