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Harrogate MP calls for clarity over new special school

Tuesday, 22 July 2025 13:17

Tom Gordon MP speaking in the House of Commons.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has urged the Government and North Yorkshire Council to open a delayed special school in Harrogate.

A secondary school for educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was initially due to open in Bilton in September 2024 before it was then delayed to 2025.

But its current timeline is uncertain.

It is planned to occupy the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School, which closed in December 2022 after an “inadequate” Ofsted rating and declining numbers.

North Yorkshire Council committed to keeping the site for education and identified demand for an autism-specific secondary school.

The Council has started work on improving the building and Cllr Anabelle Wilkinson confirmed that the Department for Education has been informed of the council’s preferred academy trust to run the school.

Mr Gordon said many local parents have reached out, concerned about the delay and the lack of appropriate school places.

He raised the issue in Parliament and requested a meeting with the Minister.

And while the Minister gave no update on the opening date, a meeting with Mr Gordon was agreed.

Tom Gordon MP said:

“So many of my constituents have contacted me to ask the same question: when can they expect to get the dedicated, local provision they need for their children. We’re hearing next to nothing from North Yorkshire council, but people need answers.

“That’s why I’ve brought this issue to Parliament today. Parents shouldn’t have to sit by and wait – we need a clear answer from North Yorkshire Council, and steer on when this support will finally become available.

“I am delighted to have secured a meeting with the Minister, and I will fight to ensure we can speed up the decision-making process and get these specialised educational services that are so badly needed in our area open as soon as possible.”

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