Kirklees Together

We are delighted to be working with Woodley School and College to create a purpose-built special school with around 180 places for children and young people with complex autism.

The new school is part of our major investment in special school provision for local pupils and is also part of our work in transforming support for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Woodley School and College is currently at a site off Dog Kennel Bank in Huddersfield, operating from multiple buildings. Additional teaching spaces have been added over time, but any further developments are restricted due to the site. 

Relocating to a new school will create additional places for pupils aged 5-15 years, with a post-16 provision also included. The new school will have superb facilities and be a suitable environment for a high level of tailored support, alongside excellent teaching for pupils with SEND. It will also reduce the need for children and young people with SEND to travel outside of Kirklees for their education.

The preferred site for the replacement new school is land that was formerly home to a high school on Fernside Avenue, Almondbury – and before we apply for planning permission, we want to hear your views on the project.

A consultation has now opened until June 17^th and your feedback will help to shape our thinking.

How can I get involved?

You can find more details by visiting the Woodley School and College web page on the council website. You can also take part in the consultation by attending one of our in-person sessions, which are a chance to view the proposal and chat to members of our team. These are:

• Tuesday 14 May, Woodley School and College, Huddersfield, HD5 8JE (4.30pm – 6.30pm)

• Tuesday 21 May, Hill View Academy, Almondbury, HD5 8YE (3.30pm – 5.30pm)

Creating a superb new facility for Woodley is running alongside our work to also relocate, rebuild and expand another Kirklees special school, Joseph Norton Academy. More details are available on the Joseph Norton Academy web page.

Our Kirklees Futures

Having an inclusive learning system, where learners of all backgrounds can fulfil their potential, is central to Our Kirklees Futures – our long-term vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will be equipped with vital skills for life.

To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.