By KLTV Newsdesk –

Purpose-built facility to transform education for children and young people with complex autism

Kirklees Council has been granted planning permission for a groundbreaking new autism-specialist school and college in Almondbury, Huddersfield.

The purpose-built facility will replace the existing Woodley School and College, offering 180 places for children and young people aged 5 to 19 with complex autism.

The new campus will also include dedicated post-16 provision, supporting students through to adulthood.

State-of-the-Art Facilities Designed with Pupils in Mind

Relocating to a new site on Fernside Avenue, the school has been designed by Frank Shaws Associates to provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.

The plans include specialist classrooms, sensory and immersive rooms, indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, a forest school, food technology rooms, a post-16 café, and a life skills suite for young adults.

These facilities have been shaped in line with Autism Education Trust (AET) best practice and through direct engagement with Woodley’s students and staff.

Partnership Approach to Planning

Planning consultancy Lichfields, based in Leeds, worked closely with Kirklees Council to navigate the application process. They provided planning expertise while ensuring the design aligned with local needs and strategic priorities.

Jonathan Standen, Planning Director at Lichfields’ Leeds office, said: “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.”

A Major Boost for SEND Provision

The new school forms part of Kirklees Council’s wider transformation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the district.

Cllr Jane Rylah, Cabinet Member for Education, 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.”

Construction is due to begin next year, marking a significant step forward in delivering enhanced educational opportunities for children and young people with complex autism in Huddersfield.