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Harrogate and Knaresborough MP pushes for Bilton school to open to avoid 'failing another generation of SEND children'

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 21:22

Tom Gordon MP.

Tom Gordon MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has increased the pressure to open Bilton Woodfield School by the next school term.

Tom Gordon is took his campaign to Westminster this week.

The MP raised the issue of Harrogate’s new SEND school, which was due to be opened in September 2025, with the Minister of State for School Standards.

Mr Gordon invited the Minister to join him in applying pressure to the school trust and local authority, ensuring no further delays.

The Minister agreed that this was an important issue, stating she wanted to see provision be brought forward.

She will meet with the MP to discuss it in more detail.

Tom said:

“It beggars belief that we’ve spent millions funding this school and yet it sits there empty.

"There’s a SEND crisis not just in Harrogate and Knaresborough but across the country.

“Parents were told in May that Bilton Woodfield would be open by the next academic year.

"Yet the summer holidays are just around the corner and we’ve heard nothing.

“We need to keep applying pressure and get the school open ASAP to avoid failing another generation of SEND children.”

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