A new special school is to open in Solihull for 150 pupils

The Department for Education has announced plans for four new special education needs schools in the Midlands, offering more than 500 places for learners. These institutions will be housed in either brand new or renovated buildings.

Solihull, along with Walsall, Hereford and Stoke-on-Trent, will each get a new special school. Although the exact locations in Walsall and Solihull have yet to be revealed, it is understood that Walsall’s capacity will be 304 student places aimed at three to 19-year-olds, while Solihull will offer 150 places for students aged between five and 19 years.

There will also be a competition inviting academy trusts to take over the running of these schools. Other places in England earmarked for similar educational institutions include Enfield, Harrow and Buckinghamshire.

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

She went on to highlight the expected positive impact on the wider community, adding: “It will ensure they receive the best quality education and give a helping hand to hard-working families in the West Midlands,” reports Birmingham Live .

Echoing this sentiment, 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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