Cleaswell Hill School announces the opening of a second site in Northumberland
Cleaswell Hill, an outstanding special school based in Northumberland, is delighted to announce that work is currently underway on a state-of-the-art satellite site.
The day community school is well-known for supporting students with complex learning difficulties and disabilities. A second site will mean additional capacity to help even more local students to succeed.
Named ‘Cleaswell Hill School: The Appleby Centre’, the Choppington site is due to open Monday 4th September 2023, and will provide an inspirational educational facility for thirty older students.
A bright future
The centre, situated off Wansbeck Avenue, was once a youth centre, enterprise building and library store, before Northumberland County Council allocated the building to Cleaswell Hill School.
As a result, thirty young adults with special educational needs and disabilities will receive exceptional support that will inspire and empower them. As students at the school, they’ll be taught valuable life skills and vocational learning to prepare them for independence and adulthood.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This will give the local community something to bridge the gap between school, work, and post-16 provision for students with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
“The opening of Cleaswell Hill’s second site will assist students in preparing for adulthood in a fun, engaging way that will help improve their quality of life long-term.”
Bespoke learning opportunities
Students of The Appleby Centre will have the opportunity to develop their skills within a range of vocational areas, including performing arts, STEM, and core skills.
The curriculum will be carefully designed to offer bespoke learning opportunities that support pupils to reach their full potential.
The outdoor space around the building, which is equipped with a polytunnel and allotment, will be used to facilitate horticulture and Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Mike Jackson, Head Teacher of Cleaswell Hill School, said: “The Appleby Centre is a great addition to our provision and will offer older pupils an exciting range of new opportunities.
“We are delighted that Northumberland County Council has fully supported the project and believe that The Appleby Centre will benefit our community for many years to come.”
Work on the site is expected to be complete by September 4 following extensive refurbishment works.
Click here to find out more information about Cleaswell Hill School, Cleaswell Hill School: The Appleby Centre and Cleaswell Hill Foundation.
Cleaswell Hill School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme click here.
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