Funding has been approved to build a specialist free school that will provide 164 specialist places for Bristol children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new Trym Valley Academy will be created on the site of the former Elmfield School in Southmead.
The Department for Education’s approval marks a milestone in Bristol’s commitment to supporting children and young people with complex needs, and the council’s target of creating 569 new specialist places.
Christine Townsend, chair of the Children and Young People committee, welcomed the announcement: “Securing DfE funding for Trym Valley Academy is a huge step forward for Bristol. It will transform the lives of many children and families, ensuring that those with the most complex needs have access to excellent education and support within their own community.”
The new school will offer targeted, specialist education and therapeutic support, including occupational, speech and language, and cognitive behavioural therapy, reducing exclusions and reliance on costly independent placements.
The school will feature a flexible curriculum, access to GCSEs and other qualifications, and modern indoor and outdoor facilities that will be available to the wider community outside of school hours.
Enable Trust, a specialist SEND and Alternative Provision trust currently operating three schools in South Gloucestershire, will manage Trym Valley Academy. Their vision includes empowering children and young people to live independently in their communities, as well as a focus on good health and academic achievement.
Andrew Buckton CEO of the Enable Trust said: “We continue to be thrilled to be working in partnership with Bristol City Council to plan, design and soon open Trym Valley Academy. The school will provide an exceptional holistic learning environment.”