Funding boost for new special free school in Blyth

13 Jul 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

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A new free school in Blyth will receive a further £1,057,675 in capital contributions after it was agreed at Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 13 July.  
 
The Gilbert Ward Academy in Blyth will open its doors in 2022 to students aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) needs and will go a long way in supporting the Council’s ambition to increase special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) support in the county.  
 
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “This is a huge step forward for the county, so it was important for us as a council to support it. 
 
“The Gilbert Ward Academy will offer pupils with social, emotional and mental health and ASD needs the opportunity to learn, thrive and grow in an environment that can meet their needs.”  
 
The school will be built by the Department for Education and ran by Prosper Learning Trust.  
 
The Council has match-funded that of the Secretary of State contribution to additional works.  
 
Since 2013 there has been an increased demand for specialist educational places. As a result, the local authority created additional capacity in special schools already in the county, but further need, specifically for secondary age pupils is required.  
 
A bid for an 80-place secondary SEMH school was made by the local authority in 2018 as part of the Government’s Special Free Schools programme.  
 
The successful bid brought about the proposed Gilbert Ward Academy which will be based on the Princess Louise site in Blyth.  
 
Mark Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Prosper Learning Trust, said: “This is a true collaboration and partnership to develop a school to meet the needs and provide the best outcomes for pupils in the area.  
 
“We are committed to enabling pupils to reach their potential and prepare them for adult life both educationally and emotionally, and this school is going to make such a difference to children and young people in Northumberland. We look forward to welcoming them through the doors when we open.”  
 
To keep up-to-date on progress or to take part in consultations visit www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/gilbertwardacademy/ 
 

To keep up-to-date on progress or to take part in consultations visit