New special schools in Norfolk
Two new special schools for Norfolk children with SEND get the go ahead
Norfolk County Council is to create 270 new special school places in Norfolk. This follows Government approval of our bids for two new special schools.
We submitted proposals to the Department for Education (DfE) as part of our six-year Local First Inclusion SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) improvement programme.
The DfE's free school programme has confirmed it will build and fund the schools. The proposed opening date is September 2026. Work will now proceed for land acquisition and planning permission.
Special school for communication and interaction needs
One special school will be in Downham Market, West Norfolk. There will be 100 places for children and young people aged five to 19-years-old, who have communication and interaction needs.
Contextual information for special free school in Downham Market (PDF) [189KB]
Special school for complex needs
A second special school will be built in Great Yarmouth. There will be 170 places for children and young people aged three to 19-years-old, who have complex needs.
Contextual information for special free school in Great Yarmouth (PDF) [185KB]
Further details
All prospective sponsors are encouraged to go through Create: Schools before submitting applications.