Kirklees Together

There’s exciting progress in Deighton as the new school building for Joseph Norton Academy starts to take shape.  

This new building will offer a state-of-the-art learning environment for around 132 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.  

Once completed, Joseph Norton Academy will relocate from Scissett and begin a new chapter here as Josie Thirkell Academy. 

Here’s the latest news from the building site. 

What’s been happening onsite?  

This drone footage shows how the new building is really taking shape. 

Structural framework 

The main steel structural frame of the building is now complete. To celebrate this momentous milestone, we recently joined our partners onsite to sign one of the girders that forms part of the building’s skeleton.  

If you missed it, you can read more about the ‘signing of the steel’ here: Significant milestone marked as new special school takes shape 

The building’s framework, seen below, includes beams and columns that will serve as a structural support for the school.  

Internal works 

The installation of the precast stairwell and lift shaft into the main steelwork framework of the building is now complete. 

Electrical infrastructure 

Work on the new building’s electrical infrastructure is moving forward well. This work will ensure the site has appropriate power capacity needed for the new development. 

• The reinforced concrete base for the electrical substation has now been completed, providing the foundation for the building’s internal electrical systems. 

• Cable ducts have been built into the concrete trench walls, which will house the future electrical cabling that connects the substation to the building. 

Drainage 

A soakaway chamber has now been installed on site. This underground structure collects rainwater from the building and allows it to safely drain back into the surrounding soil.  

This helps prevent flooding, protects the building’s foundations, and reduces pressure on local drainage systems. 

Stabilising the embankment 

Care is being taken to retain the soil embankment at the back of the site and prevent erosion or slippage.  

This involves installing mesh and pins to keep everything firmly anchored in place. 

What’s up next? 

With the completion of the building’s primary superstructure and foundations, works will now focus on construction of the exterior of the building. This includes the installation of the steel framing system which is used to create the structural framework for external walls.  

Follow the story 

Read the previous build update December 2025.

For more information 

Visit our Joseph Norton Academy webpage for more information about this project.  

Improving 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).  

For more information about SEND services or support in Kirklees visit the Kirklees Local Offer website.