Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet has agreed that the former Great Alne Primary School site should be used for specialist education provision, potentially meeting demand for places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The proposal, pending funding and statutory processes, aims to create up to 40 specialist places for primary-aged children with autism, speech, language and communication needs, and/or social, emotional and mental health needs. This initiative also supports the Council's objective of retaining the site for educational use after the school's closure in July 2026.
Cllr Wayne Briggs, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, Education and SEND, expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, stating: "I’m delighted that we’re exploring the potential to give this site a new purpose supporting children who need specialist education. I know the closure of the primary school was difficult for the local community, but this proposal offers a chance to keep that educational connection in the village while also helping meet the need for more specialist places across Warwickshire."
This Cabinet decision is a preliminary step, with further approvals required. A request for capital funding to adapt the site is scheduled for Cabinet consideration in December 2026. Additional feasibility work and discussions with the Department for Education will also inform the delivery method.
Future stages include necessary consultation, engagement, and statutory processes. Planning permission may be required for site access improvements. The proposal's progression is contingent on these steps, including capital funding approval, and an opening date is not yet confirmed.
If approved, the provision would help address the identified shortage of primary-age specialist education places in the Stratford district, ensuring the former school site continues its educational role.
