Hull City Council has submitted plans for a new specialist school in Hull to cater for 125 pupils with severe physical and/or learning difficulties (SLD), whilst also creating up to 100 full‑time equivalent jobs.
The Willowfield SEND Free School is proposed to be located on land east of the existing Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane.
Willowfield’s low‑carbon design includes a mixture of classrooms, specialist teaching and therapy spaces, and a hydrotherapy pool.
It also features a new dedicated vehicle and pedestrian access from Inglemire Lane and new parking provision to include accessible spaces, electric vehicle charging and a minibus drop‑off area, all within the site.
The site would also benefit from new hard and soft play areas and landscaping.
Both Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remain open throughout the construction phase.
Subject to planning approval, the Willowfield SEND Free School will be delivered by Hull City Council in partnership with Hull Esteem LEP, with funding from the Department for Education.
The development also reflects the strong collaborative partnership between the council and Humber Education Trust, whose combined expertise in supporting pupils with SLD continues to shape leading SEND provision across the city.
By working closely together, both organisations are committed to driving forward inclusive practice, widening opportunity, and ensuring that children and young people with the most complex needs are educated in environments designed to help them thrive.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services at the council, said:
“Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment that enables them to maximise their learning.
“This is an exciting project that would go some way to providing much‑needed additional SEND provision in the city.
“It demonstrates the commitment both the council and Humber Education Trust have to driving forward inclusive practice and widening opportunities for children and young people with the most complex needs.”