By KLTV Newsdesk –

Joseph Norton Academy to relocate from Scissett to a purpose-built facility, doubling capacity and improving access for families across Kirklees

Young learners joined representatives from Kirklees Council, Wellspring Academy Trust, Joseph Norton Academy, Wates Construction and other partners to mark the start of construction on a brand-new, purpose-built special school in Deighton.

When completed, Joseph Norton Academy will move from its current home in Scissett to the former Deighton Centre site on Deighton Road, Huddersfield.

Why the Academy is Relocating

The Academy’s current semi-rural site has provided unique learning experiences, such as a school farm, but its ageing buildings and restrictive grounds have made further development difficult.

The new Deighton facility has been designed with direct input from young learners. It will provide a modern, high-quality learning environment tailored to children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.

With the addition of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 5 provision, capacity will more than double from 63 to 132 places, covering ages 4 to 18.

The new centralised location will also reduce travel times for many students and improve access to public transport.

A Step Forward for SEND Provision

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of the Council, said: “With growing national demand for specialist school places, this major development will help meet local needs, expand provision in Kirklees, and ensure more children can access high-quality education in Kirklees.

“Once completed, the new school building will increase capacity at Joseph Norton Academy to 132 places. This means more children with SEND to be educated locally, providing greater support for local families, as well as delivering long-term financial savings for the council.

“More importantly, the school’s more central location in Deighton and improved transport links will help ease pressure on those families and students who currently travel large distances to get to school.”

Councillor Jane Rylah, Cabinet Member for Education, added: “I’m especially excited to see building works start at Deighton. We’re not just building a school for Joseph Norton Academy, we’re building brighter futures for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

“It’s wonderful that pupils and families helped shape the school’s design. The new school will provide a tailor-made environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential for generations to come.”

Voices from the Academy and Partners

Todd Cheetham, Head of School at Joseph Norton Academy, said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks a momentous new chapter for Joseph Norton and we are immensely grateful to all of the partners who have helped us get this far.

“This purpose-built school and sanctuary, will offer a transformative space where students feel safe, understood and empowered to flourish.

“It represents our commitment to Kirklees and Kirklees’ commitment to children with SEMH needs.”

David Wingfield, Managing Director of Construction East at Wates, commented: “We’re delighted to bring our extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational environments to this important project in Deighton.

“This new school will provide a modern, inclusive space tailored to the needs of young people with SEMH requirements, creating a setting where students can thrive.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a modern, inclusive learning environment that will benefit future generations to come.”

Part of a Wider Investment in SEND

This new school forms part of a wider transformation of support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Kirklees.

Alongside the Joseph Norton Academy project, work is also underway to rebuild and relocate Woodley School & College, which supports autistic pupils aged 5 to 19. Additional SEND places are being created across the district.

The investment is a cornerstone of Our Kirklees Futures — the long-term vision for education in Kirklees that unites schools, colleges, and partners to ensure all learners develop vital skills for life.