FUNDING has been announced by central government for a new special free school to open in South Gloucestershire.

The school, which is planned to become a centre of excellence, schooling up to 112 pupils from nursery age to post-16, could open as early as 2019, helping children with severe learning difficulties from across South Gloucestershire.

As part of the process to decide the location of the new site, organisations interested in running the new school have been asked to submit their plans, showing how they would meet the needs of the children, in a four-month selection process by South Gloucestershire Council.

Submissions close on November 24, with proposals meeting the criteria set out by the Department for Education being jointly assessed by the council and the department, with the preferred option then being passed onto the Education Secretary for approval.

In a joint statement, Cllr Toby Savage, cabinet member for schools, skills and employment and Cllr Jon Hunt, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We want to ensure that every young person gets the best possible education and can achieve their potential, regardless of their health, background or additional needs.

“We are therefore delighted that South Gloucestershire will be home to a yet another new special free school, which will provide new opportunities to children and young people with particular needs right here, close to home.

“We look forward to receiving strong interest from existing providers as well as potentially from new entrants who show that they can use the Free School model to help more of our special youngsters achieve their potential.”

Also supporting the news, Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said: “I am thrilled that South Gloucestershire is to have a new Special Free School supported and funded by the Government.

“Having worked closely with local Councillors, we are continuing to secure the local education our children need and deserve.”

More information about special free schools can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-free-schools-commissioned-by-a-local-authority.

More information about the proposals and requirements for potential operators of the new special free school in South Gloucestershire can be found online at www.southglos.gov.uk/freeschool.