A new special school in Gloucester – come and meet the academy trust: 22 February 2024

Towards the end of last year the council, along with a representative from the Parent Carer Forum, interviewed four of the academy trusts who had applied to run the new special school that is intended to open in 2026.

We recommended our preferred trust to the Department for Education, however, the final decision is made by the Regional Director, on behalf of the Secretary of State, and we expect confirmation later this month. 

There is an opportunity to meet representatives from the academy trust that will be running the school on Thursday 22 February 2024. A session has been arranged for the late morning (starting at 11.00am) with a second one later that same day (starting at 4.30pm). There will be a short presentation with the opportunity to ask questions afterwards. The trust will be able to give an overview of how they work, their vision for the school and some information about the other schools they run. If you can’t make this day, we will keep you updated about other opportunities.

As it is intended, subject to planning approval, to locate the school in Abbeydale (Gloucester) we have chosen a venue close to the proposed site. This is: Christchurch Church, Heron Way, Abbeydale, Gloucester GL4 5EQ.

The school will be for children aged 4-16 with Moderate and Additional Learning Difficulties (MALD) and will cater for a broad range of needs. It is being designed to accommodate 200 pupils.

Information continues to be available on the webpage www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/new-special-school-gloucester, which is updated as the project develops and as more information becomes available. On the webpage you will find answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Comments or questions can be raised at any point by e-mailing: universalcommissioning@gloucestershire.gov.uk or by calling Nathan Roe, Education Planning Manager, on 01452 427262

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