A new school is set to open in County Durham to support pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Durham County Council is planning to redevelop the site of the former Fyndoune Community College in Sacriston.

The investment will create an additional 180 places for pupils with special educational and medical needs.

A pre-application for the development has been submitted to the council, with letters to be delivered to nearby residents from Monday (17 August).

The redeveloped building will enable the council to enhance provision for the county’s children and young people and provide a dedicated, high-quality specialist educational curriculum which will prepare young people for life within their local communities.

Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s service, said: “We are delighted that plans are in place to redevelop Fyndoune. As part of our commitment to invest in services that are vital to our communities, these proposals will help us to support even more of our young people.

“The redevelopment of Fyndoune will allow for secondary pupils with additional needs to stay closer to home as well as supporting those across the county who are unable to attend school for medical reasons, to make the transition back into mainstream school.

“We will also make sure that the updated facilities will benefit the community, offering access to both indoor and outdoor facilities for residents, promoting positive health, wellbeing and community engagement. We look forward to work getting underway to redevelop the site in the new year.”  

A public consultation event will be held in the school hall at Fyndoune on Thursday 27 August.

The event, which will take place between 4pm and 7pm, will feature a display of the proposed plans.