New school to be built in Hartlepool for dozens of pupils with the most complex needs

The free school, which will provide specialist education for youngsters with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), was announced by the Government following a successful proposal from Hartlepool Borough Council.

Subject to planning permission, the school will be built on land off Brenda Road, catering for up to 50 young people aged between seven and 18. Construction will be funded by the Department for Education.

The school will be run by Spark of Genius, a specialist provider of education for young people with SEND, which will work closely with the council.

The new school aims to be up and running by the start of the new school year in 2022.

Councillor Leisa Smith, chair of the council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that every young person in Hartlepool gets the best possible start in life

"So we’re delighted that the Government has announced that it is building and funding this new school in the town.

“We had made a very passionate and compelling case for it as we currently don’t have sufficient SEND provision within Hartlepool for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs and as a result we have to send a number of young people out of town to get the specialist education they need.

“Thanks to this fantastic new school, they will be able to receive the support they need close to home, which will be wonderful for them and for their families.”

Zak McIlhargey, managing director of Spark of Genius, added: “Spark of Genius are honoured to be taking forward this exciting and much-needed new provision.

“As a longstanding provider of education and support for young people with SEMH, we are committed to improving the life chances of every child and family we work with

"The new school offers a unique opportunity to do so.

“We look forward to working very closely with the council, the Department for Education, parents, carers and with the young people themselves in achieving the highest quality of education for young people in Hartlepool who need it the most.”

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