Green light for new autism school in Malvern

The Department for Education has accepted Worcestershire County Council’s recommendation to continue with the Enterprise Academy, which is being developed in partnership with MacIntyre Academies. The school will provide much-needed specialist autism places for children and young people in Worcestershire.

The Department will now work with the Council and MacIntyre Academies to agree updated delivery timelines. While these are being finalised, partners are focused on ensuring the school is delivered as quickly as possible.

The decision to continue with the Enterprise Academy forms part of Worcestershire’s wider work to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Council and its partners are currently developing a Local SEND Reform Plan, which will set out how national reforms will be delivered locally. The plan focuses on earlier identification and support, helping children and young people access services closer to home, and building a more inclusive system across education, health and care.

The Local SEND Reform Plan will be submitted to the Department for Education by 19 June 2026.

Adam Johnson, Director of Children’s Services at Worcestershire County Council, 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 working closely with partners and are keen to clarify the revised timeline with the Department for Education and keep families and stakeholders updated.