A new free school to provide 130 places for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is to be built in Wiltshire.

The new school for children aged 4 – 19 and will help address the growing numbers of SEND places needed in Wiltshire.

The Department of Education will fund and build the free school likely to open in 2026 according to the council.

The location has not yet been decided but will be shared once plans progress.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills Laura Mayes said: “Every child and young person deserves their school to be a place where they can learn and thrive. Wiltshire Council is committed to having the right specialist support for pupils with SEND so they can enjoy their time at school, and this is good news for our Wiltshire children.”

Cabinet Member for SEND Jane Davies said: “We already have allotted significant investment to creating extra SEND places but this DfE commitment to building a new school for SEND pupils is a very welcome addition.

“We will be sharing more news with parents and carers as plans move forward.”