Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Blondie

Call Me

Listen Live

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.”

More from Local News

Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university

A Ripon swimming star is set to take her talents to the United States after earning a place at an American university.
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb

Ripon's Workhouse Museum has reopened after a £2.8 million redevelopment that promises to immerse visitors in the realities of Victorian life.