A NEW privately-run special school is set to open within weeks on a former office block on a Yate business park.
Turner Court School will provide tailored education and support for children a range of special educational needs.
The new school, in Turner Drive on the Westerleigh Business Park, will teach up to 40 pupils aged six to 11 and will specialise in supporting children with a diagnosis of autism and a range of additional needs such as ADHD, speech and language difficulties, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and associated behavioural difficulties.
It will take children placed by education authorities and is opening at a time when demand for specialist provision has never been greater.
Nearby Bristol City Council identified more than 15,400 pupils in city schools with special educational needs in January 2025, up 5.8% in just one year.
Nationally, the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has also reached record levels.
Privately-owned education provider Witherslack Group says Turner Court School will offer “highly personalised” education in classes of up to nine children.
The school will open with a full multidisciplinary team of 21 staff, including teachers, in-house clinical team, and pastoral support.
A final opening date has not been fixed but the group said it would be “in the coming weeks”.
The group says it had “unprecedented” demand for places at Castlefell School, near Thornbury, which it opened in 2024.
Head teacher Yenna Yeo said: “We know that many families are seeking specialist support that enables their children to feel understood, valued and successful, and we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive.
“By working closely with families and professionals, we aim to help every pupil develop the confidence, communication skills and resilience needed to achieve positive outcomes both in school and beyond.”
Plans to convert the former Apex House into a school were approved by South Gloucestershire Council planning officers last year. No public comments were received in support of or opposition to the plans.
A pre-registration inspection report from regulator Ofsted, published in July, said: “Leaders have designed the curriculum with the special educational needs or disabilities of its intended pupils in mind. Pupils will follow a broad curriculum, which incorporates the National Curriculum where relevant.
“The curriculum will be adapted for individual pupils so that it can capitalise on their interests and motivate them to learn.”