New autism school planned for Malvern receives government approval
The project aims to enhance educational support for autistic children in Worcestershire
Plans for establishing a new autism school in Malvern have taken a significant step forward following government approval.
The Department for Education has agreed with Worcestershire County Council’s proposal to proceed with the Enterprise Academy developed in collaboration with MacIntyre Academies.
This initiative aims to provide specialised education places for autistic children and young people across Worcestershire.
The Department for Education will now collaborate with the council and MacIntyre Academies to establish updated timelines for the project's delivery.
While these timelines are being finalised, the partners are committed to ensuring the school opens as promptly as possible.
The Enterprise Academy is part of Worcestershire's broader efforts to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In alignment with this, the council is developing a Local SEND Reform Plan to implement national reforms at a local level, focusing on early identification and support, improving access to services closer to home, and creating a more inclusive system across education, health, and care.
The Local SEND Reform Plan is scheduled for submission to the Department for Education by 19th June 2026.
Adam Johnson, Director of Children’s Services at Worcestershire County Council, emphasised the importance of the project, he said:
“We are very pleased that the Government has accepted our recommendation to continue with the Enterprise Academy. This school will play a vital role in strengthening provision in Worcestershire and helping children and young people access the right support closer to home. Working with the Department for Education and MacIntyre Academies, we will now move into the next phase of planning to agree a new delivery timeline. The project aligns closely with our Local SEND Reform Plan and our commitment to providing earlier, more effective support for families.”
The council will continue its collaboration with partners and is focused on establishing a revised timeline with the Department for Education while keeping families and stakeholders informed of any updates.