Key Dates
- Application Launch: 24th November 2025.
- Submission Deadline: 20th February 2026.
- Targeted School Opening: September 2028.
We are excited to announce the development of a new Specialist Free School.
- This initiative is a central ambition of the Calderdale SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy.
- It is also a key element in our commitment to inclusive education and to reduce inequalities.
- It is to make sure that children with SEND can access high-quality, state-funded education close to home.
This is an exciting opportunity to create a centre of excellence, in a carefully designed new build, in the heart of Halifax.
About the School
Where it will be
Threeways, Nursery Lane, Halifax. HX3 5SW (Ovenden Ward).
Number of child places
200.
Who it will be for
Children aged 4 to 16 years old with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
For those with:
- Autism (ASD);
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN);
- and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Why Calderdale?
- Our Vision 34 sets out our shared, long-term ambition to work towards over the next 10 years to make Calderdale a better place for everyone.
- A beautiful part of West Yorkshire, offering a rich cultural past and present.
- A borough of diverse communities, vibrant towns and strong civic leadership.
- A growing population of children and young people with SEND, with increasing demand for specialist provision.
- A strategic location with excellent transport links, neighbouring primary schools and community hubs.
- Strong local investment in inclusive education, including SEND hubs, satellite classrooms and alternative provision.
- Highly effective partnership working across school clusters.
Vision for the School
The new school will be a centre of excellence that offers:
- Trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches.
- Adaptive, academic and vocational curriculum pathways.
- Outreach support to mainstream schools.
- Inclusive enrichment and community engagement.
Proposal Requirements
We seek MATs with:
- A strong track record in delivering high-quality SEND provision.
- A commitment to inclusive values and community partnership.
- Capacity to deliver a robust education and therapeutic offer aligned with Calderdale's SEND and AP Strategy 2025-30.
- A commitment to work with:
- the Primary and Secondary Headteacher Associations;
- and in partnership with the Local Authority and Health Services.
- A commitment to provide outreach support and training for mainstream schools along with the Calderdale Specialist Provision Cluster.
Further Information
The local authority will fund and commission the building in line with DFE requirements.
- This process follows the local authority-led free school presumption route. (Section 6A of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.)
- The final decision will be made by the Regional Director for Yorkshire and Humber. (On behalf of the Secretary of State.)
For more details or to discuss your proposal, please email: jemima.flintoff@calderdale.gov.uk.
How to apply
For details about the proposed Free School, please review our: Free Schools Application to the DFE.
- Complete the Department for Education's Application form.
- Email this to: Jemima.Flintoff@calderdale.gov.uk.