New Shrewsbury special school moves closer as trust receives green light
Plans for a new special school in Shrewsbury have moved a step forward following government approval.
The Department for Education has given the green light for the Youth Engagement Schools Trust to operate the school in Bowbrook.
The special school will be on the same site as the new mainstream primary school, which will be operated by The 3-18 Education Trust.
Both schools are planned to open in September next year.
The special school will cater for children aged 5 to 16 who have special educational needs in the area of communication and interaction, and who may also have additional needs in the area of social, emotional and mental health.
Nic Brindle, CEO of the YES Trust, said: “We are driven to make sure the specific needs of children and young adults are met locally. As a trust, dedicated to helping those in need get the right support and guidance, we can’t wait to develop a successful curriculum helping all to thrive. I am personally looking forward to crafting a future that changes the lives of these learners, families and local communities, helping them develop aspirations and achieve and thrive in the modern world.”
Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council’s executive director of children’s services, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with the YES Trust to expand and enhance the range of specialist provision already on offer for Shropshire children. Our aim is to ensure that Shropshire children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have, and expect, the same opportunities in life as other children and young people."
Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, added: “These two new schools are an important and exciting development as we look to meet the ever-growing demand for school places in that area of Shrewsbury. This really is good news for the whole of Shropshire.
“With the number of pupils with SEND requirements – both in Shropshire and nationally – rising steadily, this is a fantastic opportunity to build a school that caters for the needs of these pupils. It will also complement the provision already in place in the county.”
The special school will be funded by the DfE, while the construction of the new primary school will be funded by Shropshire Council.
