New special school in Headingley with 150 places proposed by Leeds Council

The proposed Rose Court site, currently owned by The Grammar School at Leeds (Photo: Google)

A new special school has been proposed for north Leeds, which will create 150 new school spaces for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The proposal, currently being discussed by Leeds Council, would see existing school buildings at Rose Court in Headingley turned into the new special free school.

In Leeds, the number of children and young people with SEND has increased over the past decade, leading to an increasing demand for specialist schools.

The Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) would work in partnership with a mainstream school, creating an additional 50 school places for children with SEND.

If Leeds Council can acquire the proposed Rose Court site from its current owner, The Grammar School at Leeds, the new SILC could open from September 2021.

The council has launched an online survey and two public drop-in sessions to discuss the plans, held at Rose Court on December 3 and at Merrion House in the city centre on December 11.

Coun Jonathan Pryor, executive member for learning, skills and employment, said: "We know the number of children and young people with SEND living in Leeds has gone up over the past decade leading to an increased demand on school places for these children.

"The proposed introduction of a new special free school will help meet this increased need.

"It is really important that people tell us what they think and so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation by attending the drop-in sessions and filling out the online survey."

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