Plans for a new SEN school in Salford have been approved.
The King’s Trust, which already operates eight schools across Salford, is hoping to open the new SEN College in January of 2027, following its growing numbers after the success of King’s College currently based at UTC in Salford Quays.
CEO of the King’s Trust, Amanda Nicholson OBE, told Salford Now, “Oakwood Academy is our main SEN school in Salford, and because the school has been so successful, we opened up a sixth form several years ago.
“That sixth form has been working out of the UTC down at Media City, and because we’ve had so many referrals for the sixth form and because demand is so high, the space that we’ve been in is no longer fit for purpose.
“If a young person has special educational needs, then finding somewhere suitable is very challenging. So, we’re very happy.
“We’ve had to cap our sixth form at around 90 students; we’ll be able to grow up to 200 students, and that means that we can cater for a wide range of needs.”
Speaking on The King’s Trust expertise for SEN, Amanda said, “I like to think that we are a centre of excellence for SEND and inclusion, and I think the new sixth form will just help that grow and go from strength to strength in this locality.”
The School is set to be based at 50 Kansas Lane near the current UTC premises in the Quays.
Speaking on the aim of the school, Ms Nicholson said, “When they go to the 6th form, the students are in their own clothes; they’re treated more like young adults, and the curriculum is very much geared to getting these young people into employment.”
The Kings Trust also operates schools in Warrington, and provides other schools outside of the trust to support SEN provisions.
The school is still subject to approval by the Department for Education.
