New special schools for Walsall and Solihull, with places for more than 500 pupils

Four new special educational needs schools are set to open in the Midlands, the Department for Education has announced. The new schools will either be in new or renovated buildings.

Walsall and Solihull will each get a new special school, along with Hereford and Stoke-on-Trent. The locations of the Walsall and Solihull schools have not been announced, but Walsall will get 304 places for pupils aged three to 19 and Solihull will get 150 places for pupils aged five to 19.

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There will also be a competition for academy trusts to run the schools. Other locations in England to have new schools include Enfield, Harrow and Buckinghamshire.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. That is why the opening of new special schools in Herefordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Walsall and Solihull will be transformative for children with additional needs.

“It will ensure they receive the best quality education and give a helping hand to hard working families in the West Midlands.”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Special schools can really transform children’s lives, enabling pupils with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive in environments that meet their needs.

“I know how difficult it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and creating brighter special schools is just part of our plan to ensure every family and every child gets the right support, in the right place at the right time appropriate.”

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