Planning approved for new autism-specialist school in Huddersfield

Kirklees Council has secured planning permission for a new, purpose-built special school in Almondbury, Huddersfield, which will replace the existing Woodley School and College. The new facility will provide 180 places for children and young people aged 5 to 19 with complex autism, including a dedicated post-16 provision.

The school will relocate to a new site on Fernside Avenue in Almondbury. Created to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for pupils with complex autism, the new school and college has been thoughtfully designed by Frank Shaws Associates. The facility will include specialist classrooms, sensory and immersive rooms, indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, a forest school, food technology rooms, a post-16 café, and a life skills suite for young adults. These features reflect best practice guidance from the Autism Education Trust (AET) and were shaped through engagement with students and staff at Woodley.

Lichfields worked in collaboration with Kirklees Council throughout the process - combining their planning expertise with the Council’s local insight and strategic priorities. Lichfields prepared and submitted the planning application and supported the project team during discussions with planning officers and consultees, to ensure the design aligned with local priorities and planning consultee requirements.

The investment in the new Woodley School and College forms part of Kirklees Council’s wider transformation of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision across the district. The new facility will significantly enhance the quality of education and support available to pupils with complex autism.

Construction is expected to begin next year.