Demolition of former Huddersfield school to make way for special school

A date has been set for the demolition of a former Huddersfield school as plans to build a new special school in its place go ahead.

All the buildings at Almondbury Community School, including a swimming pool and sports facilities, will be demolished in October, it has been confirmed.

The site will be the new home of Woodley School and College, which houses students aged up to 19 with complex autism.

A spokesman said the move to the new site would help young people “enjoy the best possible start in life”.

According to Kirklees Council documents, the existing 1960s secondary school building, pool and nursery in Almondbury “cannot be repurposed” for use by a special educational needs school.

“The existing sports centre, built in the 2000s, is not suitable for use by children and young people with complex autism,” the documents add.

Woodley School and College is currently at Lowerhouses.

Speaking about the importance of increasing special needs provision in Kirklees, the council’s former cabinet member for children’s services, Councilor Viv Kendrick, said: “The Woodley extension is an exciting development.

“It will increase support for local children, both now and in the future.”

She added: “The number of places will gradually increase, leading to the school moving to its new and better facility – the building of which will be another fantastic step forward.”

Another special school in Kirklees, Joseph Norton Academy, will also be relocated and rebuilt in Deighton.