What the Plans Submitted for a New SEND School in Hull Mean for Students and the Community

Some really positive news is coming out of Hull, with plans officially submitted for a brand-new specialist school designed to support local children and young people. On 20 February 2026, Hull City Council put forward a proposal for a purpose-built facility that will provide a brilliant learning environment for 125 pupils with severe physical challenges or learning difficulties. It’s not just great news for students; the project is also set to create around 100 new full-time jobs in the city, which is a fantastic boost for the local community. This new SEND school aims to provide much-needed resources and support for families across the area.

So, what's the big idea?

The proposed new school is called the Willowfield SEND Free School, and it’s planned for a patch of land right next to the existing Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane. The whole idea is to create a space that’s perfectly tailored to students who have complex needs. Think about it – a standard school building isn’t always equipped to give every child the best chance to learn and grow, especially if they need extra support. This new building is being designed from the ground up with those specific needs in mind. The project shows a real commitment to what's known as inclusive practice, which is basically about making sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their challenges. The Hull City Council has been working hard on this proposal, which could make a massive difference to education in Hull.

A look at the state-of-the-art facilities

This isn’t just any old school building. The plans for the Willowfield SEND Free School are pretty impressive and focus on creating a supportive and modern environment. A lot of thought has gone into what the students and staff will need day-to-day. The design is also low-carbon, which means it’s being built to be kinder to the planet. Inside, the new school will have a mix of specially designed spaces.

• Modern Classrooms: These won't be your average classrooms. They’ll be set up to cater to different learning styles and physical needs, making them comfortable and effective spaces for education.

• Specialist Teaching and Therapy Spaces: The school will have dedicated rooms for different kinds of support. These therapy spaces are essential for helping students develop skills and get the one-on-one help they might need.

• A Hydrotherapy Pool: This is one of the standout features. A hydrotherapy pool is filled with warm water and is amazing for physical therapy. It helps relax muscles, improve movement, and can be a really fun and calming experience for young people with physical difficulties.

It's clear that the design goes far beyond just bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a holistic environment that supports every aspect of a child's development. This is a key part of the vision for this new SEND school.

Getting around and enjoying the outdoors

It’s not just what’s inside that matters. The plans for the Willowfield SEND Free School also cover how people will get to and from the site safely and easily. There will be a brand-new, dedicated pedestrian access from Inglemire Lane, as well as a new vehicle entrance. The parking provision is also being carefully considered, with accessible spaces, charging points for electric vehicles, and a special drop-off area for minibuses all included. This makes the daily school run that little bit smoother for parents and transport providers.

And what about playtime? The grounds are set to get a full makeover with beautiful landscaping and brilliant new outdoor spaces. There will be a mix of hard and soft play areas, giving students safe and stimulating places to have fun, socialise, and burn off some energy. These outdoor areas are just as important as the classrooms for learning and development, providing sensory experiences and space for physical activity. The focus on high-quality play areas is a testament to the school's commitment to student well-being.

A team effort for Hull's young people

A project this big doesn't happen overnight or with just one organisation. The new specialist school is the result of a strong collaborative partnership. If the plans get the green light, the Hull City Council will deliver the project alongside Hull Esteem LEP. The funding is coming from the government’s Department for Education, showing that it’s a project of national importance. This team effort also involves the Humber Education Trust, which has a huge amount of experience in supporting pupils with complex needs and learning difficulties. By working together, these groups are combining their expertise to drive forward inclusive practice across the city, making sure that every child has access to the best possible education. It's fantastic to see this level of cooperation for such an important cause. During the construction phase, both the nearby Frederick Holmes School and the Platform Daycare Centre will remain fully open and operational, so there will be minimal disruption to existing services.

Cllr Linda Tock, who is the portfolio holder for children’s services at the council, shared her excitement for the project. She 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.”