£10m campus opens for Leeds special school

A £10m campus near to Leeds city centre, which caters for pupils with additional needs, has now been officially opened.

Part of West Oaks Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre, the new campus has space for 150 pupils and is located in the Woodhouse area of Leeds.

Interserve Construction played a major role in delivering the project and ensuring that the building, which is set to become part of one of the largest special schools in Europe over the next three years, was opened on schedule.

The £10m city centre project was funded through the targeted basic need initiative in conjunction with Leeds City Council.

The new facilities include an interactive and immersive space, creative zone, social skills zone, seven play areas and a habitat area, specialist SEN early years area, 15 classrooms with specialist facilities for group and individual work, three halls including an activity hall, a library area and conference space.

Andrew Hodkinson, principal of West Oaks School, said: “I am immensely proud of my staff who have contributed to this unique design and build of Woodhouse Learning. Expanding our existing provision, 38 years since we first opened, comes with a real responsibility to get it right for the next generation of learners with SEND in Leeds.

“First and foremost we are a school with the highest aspirations for our young people and we will always put their needs first whilst constantly striving for excellence through innovation.”

“Woodhouse Learning will hopefully provide Leeds with a legacy that can be built upon in other SEN projects in the city.”

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, added: “We are committed to providing excellent educational provision for all children in Leeds and by expanding outstanding schools like West Oaks we can ensure children and young people with additional needs are able to a fantastic start in life.

“The new provision really is very impressive and I was very honoured to officially open the campus and meet the wonderful staff and pupils at West Oaks.”

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