Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Jem

They

Listen Live

Harrogate MP to push for progress on new special school

Tuesday, 26 August 2025 07:17

The school will be based on the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School.

Local MP Tom Gordon is set to push for progress on the long-delayed opening of a special school in Bilton.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough is set to meet with the Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, about the opening of Bilton Specialist School.

The school was due to open in September 2024 but has since been delayed - with no clear timeline in place.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Tom raised the issue directly with the Minister before Parliament rose for summer recess and pushed for a meeting to get answers, which is now confirmed for September.

Tom said he recognises the "urgent need" for this school to open, as demand for specialist places in North Yorkshire "far outstrips current provision."

He said:

“The ongoing delay in opening Bilton Specialist School is causing real stress and disruption for children and families. Repeated setbacks and a lack of clear information have left parents frustrated, and this simply isn’t acceptable.

“I have spoken to countless families whose children are stuck in unsuitable provision or forced to travel long distances each day just to get the support they need, which shows how urgently this school is required.

“My upcoming meeting with the Department for Education must deliver clarity. Families deserve certainty and action, not further delays, and I will keep up the pressure until they get it.”

North Yorkshire Council has advised that the delay is due to the Government not yet appointing an academy trust to run the school.

They say that until this is resolved, the council cannot confirm an opening date.

More from Local News

Harrogate taekwondo master awarded MBE for long-standing contribution to sport

Harrogate taekwondo master Kambiz R. Ali has been awarded an MBE in recognition of decades of dedication to sport in the local community.
Harrogate dance group set for world record attempt

A Harrogate dance group will join 1,500 dancers in an attempt to break a world record with chart-topping DJ Sigala.
Gareth Southgate visits popular Harrogate pub

Former England manager Gareth Southgate was spotted enjoying a quiet drink at a popular Harrogate pub this week.
Classic car event set to return to Ripon

A classic car showcase will return to the grounds of Grantley Hall this summer.
Ripon students take alcohol-free campaign to Parliament

Ripon Grammar students have won praise after taking their alcohol-free message to Westminster.
Ripon's Grantley Hall named best place to stay in North and North East

Grantley Hall in Ripon has been named the best place to stay in the North and Northeast.
Harrogate Mayor cuts ribbon at opening of new interior design shop

The Mayor of Harrogate has officially opened a new interior design shop in what was his 100th official engagement.
Celebrity chefs rally for Yorkshire children's cancer charity

Five of Yorkshire’s leading chefs are coming together at Rudding Park for the five-course fine dining event of the year in aid of Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.
Resurrected Bites CEO Michelle Hayes announces departure

Michelle Hayes has announced her departure from Harrogate charity Resurrected Bites as CEO.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators

Yorkshire residents are being invited to apply for the next series of the BBC's Gladiators.
Harrogate recycling firm tips forecasts with £16.5m turnover despite tough trading

A Harrogate-based independent recycling brokerage has announced revenues of £16.5 million in the year 2024–2025 — surpassing its original £12.5 million projection.
Cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre increases by more than £2m

The cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre has risen by more than £2m, councillors will be told next week.
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned

A proposed rule change to make taxis more accessible could "finish off" the trade, North Yorkshire councillors have been warned.
Call for decision on Maltkiln masterplan to be delayed

Ambitious plans to create a new village to help meet housing targets in North Yorkshire need further work, it has been claimed.
Ripon pupils raise over £9,000 for Parkinson's charity

Ripon Grammar students have raised more than £9,000 to help support those living with a disease which has touched the lives of many in their school community.
Harrogate Fundraiser to share story of 9,000-mile unsupported bike ride to the himalayas

When Harrogate resident Thorsten Bruce set off on his new touring bicycle last spring, he wasn’t setting out to break records, rather to raise funds for charity and to avoid regretting never having tried.
Harrogate pupils achieve distinctions across the board in drama exams

Pupils at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after being awarded the highest marks possible in their drama exams – for the second consecutive year.
Harrogate hospital shortlisted for two national awards

A care provider which runs Cygnet Hospital Harrogate has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s HealthInvestor Awards.
Hampsthwaite school goes red to support children's heart charity

Pupils and staff at Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School have taken part in a Wear Red Day to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrade reaches new milestone

The project aims to transform Studio Two at the venue to create larger breakout conference rooms.