Wakefield Council announces plans to develop a new specialist school
Wednesday, April 01, 2026
Wakefield Council has reached a new major milestone, with £1.6 million investment to secure premises for a new specialist school.
The new school is planned for the redevelopment of the former Wakefield Regional Fire Control Centre. It will provide up to 120 specialist secondary school places for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Giving local children and families access to high-quality education, closer to home.
“This investment of capital funds is an important step forward to improving specialist provision for families in our district. It means better outcomes for our families, with access to high-quality education. And reduced reliance on high-cost out-of-area placements.
“We’re committed to growing our own local specialist provision and improving inclusion in mainstream schools. By spending now, we will create more places in our district, mitigate budget pressures and improve the financial sustainability of the local education system.”
Vicky Schofield
Corporate Director for Children and Young People
This development is part of a wider journey to meet the needs of children and young people across the district. Creating more specialist school places and improving existing places, ensures more children can learn and thrive in settings that meet their needs.
This is crucial for ensuring that children with SEND have access to the education and support they need, ultimately aiming for better outcomes and experiences for them and their families.
This site presented a great opportunity, it is in a great location, offering good accessibility for a relatively quick redevelopment programme. Works are expected to start on site in 2026, with opening planned for 2027.
Demand for specialist places is rising nationally, and councils everywhere are under pressure to find sustainable solutions. This partnership is Wakefield’s way of meeting that challenge locally and making a real difference for families.
The £1.6 million to cover the purchase of the site comes from funding from the Department for Education (DfE), for school placements for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, or who require alternative provision.
Initial engagement by the Education and Inclusion Service has been positive. Further consultation is planned with parents, carers, advocacy groups, and communities with protected characteristics.