A MALVERN school trust has successfully bid for the opportunity to run a new specialist educational offering for students living with autism.
The Department for Education has announced MacIntyre Academies has been chosen to establish the new autism school in Malvern.
MacIntyre Academies received confirmation of their application to set up Enterprise Academy from the Secretary of State for Education, which should proceed to the next stage of the free school’s process – the ‘pre-opening phase’.
Working closely with Worcestershire Children First and Worcestershire County Council, Enterprise Academy will offer specialist education for 120 pupils aged 5 to 19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Neil Macmillan, chair of MacIntyre Academies, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to run the Enterprise Academy.
“We are committed to providing high quality education, tailored to the unique needs of every pupil, creating an environment where all young people have confidence and belief in their potential and be ready for adult life.
“We look forward to collaborating with Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Children First, families and the wider community to create a school where pupils can thrive.”
A report will be presented to Worcestershire County Council Cabinet on 28 March 2024, seeking approval for the Poolbrook site in Malvern and a 125-year lease for the new school.
Mel Barnett, director for all age disability at Worcestershire Children First, said: “Today’s announcement is a significant step towards the opening of the new autism school.
“We look forward to working with MacIntyre Academies and continue to work with the Department for Education to finalise the school site and help meet the need for additional, specialist, high quality places in Worcestershire.”
The final decision to open any free school depends on the Secretary of State entering into a funding agreement with the academy trust.
The new school is expected to open in September 2027.
