Work begins on transformational new special school in Deighton
Young learners joined representatives from the council, Wellspring Academy Trust, Joseph Norton Academy, Wates construction, and others, to celebrate the start of construction on a brand-new, purpose-built special school in Deighton.
When complete, Joseph Norton Academy will move from their current location in Scissett into the new development at the old Deighton Centre site on Deighton Road, Huddersfield.
Why the school is moving
While the Academy’s current semi-rural school grounds have offered unique learning experiences, including a school farm, its buildings are dated and the grounds have posed challenges for any further development.
The new facility in Deighton has been designed using ideas from young learners themselves. It will offer a high-quality, state-of-the-art learning environment that is able to support the needs of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
The development will also increase the school’s capacity from 63 to 132 places for children and young people aged 4 to 18, providing greater opportunities of co-education for a wider age range, with the introduction of a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 5 offer.
The centralised location will also reduce travel times for many students who live across Kirklees, and improve access to public transport.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of the Council said:
“With growing national demand for specialist school places, this major development will help meet local needs, expand provision in Kirklees, and ensure more children can access high-quality education in Kirklees.
“Once completed, the new school building will increase capacity at Joseph Norton Academy to 132 places. This means more children with SEND to be educated locally, providing greater support for local families, as well as delivering long-term financial savings for the council.
“More importantly, the school’s more central location in Deighton and improved transport links will help ease pressure on those families and students who currently travel large distances to get to school.”
Councillor Jane Rylah, Cabinet Member for Education, commented:
“I’m especially excited to see building works start at Deighton. We’re not just building a school for Joseph Norton Academy, we’re building brighter futures for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
“It’s wonderful that pupils and families helped shape the school’s design. The new school will provide a tailor-made environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential for generations to come.”
Todd Cheetham, Head of School at Joseph Norton Academy added:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a momentous new chapter for Joseph Norton and we are immensely grateful to all of the partners who have helped us get this far.
“This purpose-built school and sanctuary, will offer a transformative space where students feel safe, understood and empowered to flourish.
“It represents our commitment to Kirklees and Kirklees’ commitment to children with SEMH needs.”
David Wingfield, Managing Director of Construction East at Wates, said:
“We’re delighted to bring our extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational environments to this important project in Deighton. This new school will provide a modern, inclusive space tailored to the needs of young people with SEMH requirements, creating a setting where students can thrive.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a modern, inclusive learning environment that will benefit future generations to come.”
More information about this project
More information about this project is available on our website.
Transforming SEND services
This investment is part of our wider commitment to transforming support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Alongside Joseph Norton Academy, work is underway to rebuild and relocate Woodley School & College, which supports autistic pupils aged 5 to 19. Additional SEND places are also being created across other schools in the district.
Our Kirklees Futures
The creation of inclusive learning environments is central to Our Kirklees Futures — the long-term vision for education in Kirklees that brings together schools, colleges, and partners to ensure all learners develop vital skills for life.