Kirklees Council to build new autism-specialist school
Designs for the school were developed by Frank Shaws Associates, with input from pupils and staff at Woodley and based on guidance from the Autism Education Trust
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Kirklees Council has secured planning permission for a new autism-specialist school and college in Huddersfield.
The purpose-built facility, which will replace the existing Woodley School and College, is set to open in Almondbury and will cater for up to 180 pupils aged five to 19 with complex autism.
The new school will be located on Fernside Avenue and include dedicated post-16 provision. Features will include specialist classrooms, sensory and immersive rooms, indoor and outdoor breakout areas, a forest school, food technology rooms, a post-16 café and a life skills suite.
Designs for the school were developed by Frank Shaws Associates, with input from pupils and staff at Woodley and based on guidance from the Autism Education Trust.
Planning consultancy Lichfields, based in Leeds, submitted the planning application and worked with council officers and consultees to align the scheme with local requirements.
Cllr Jane Rylah, cabinet member for education at Kirklees Council, said: “The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential. Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the build progress and the positive impact this investment will bring to families across Kirklees.”
The project forms part of Kirklees Council’s wider transformation of provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Jonathan Standen, planning director at Lichfields, added: “There’s a growing demand across the country for specialist school places and Kirklees is taking a proactive approach to meeting that need. This scheme is a great example of what can be achieved when technical teams, local authorities and planners work together.
“We’re pleased to have helped bring forward a development that will have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of children and young people in the borough.”