Funding paves way for school expansion

A Gateshead-based special education school is set to grow its facilities and support more pupils.

Haskel School, which caters specifically to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has secured £1 million from Lloyds to fund the first phase of a major expansion. 

Founded in 2012 by Rabbi Avrohom Sugarman MBE and his wife Sarah, Haskel currently supports 22 pupils with a highly individualised curriculum delivered by specialist teachers and a multidisciplinary therapy team. 

Officials say the school will purchase and partially renovate a neighbouring property, creating an additional classroom, three tutorial rooms, an occupational therapy space and a fully accessible changing area, with purpose-built features such as hoists and wheelchair access to meet pupils’ complex needs.

They add the initial expansion will allow for six more places, with the potential to triple the school’s capacity to 60 pupils once fully developed, with pupils expected to begin using the new space from January 2026.

Rabbi Sugarman said: “The name Haskel comes from the Hebrew word for ‘intelligence’ and serves as a reminder that every child has potential, and the right to learn in a way that works for them.

“As the demand for places has grown, so has our need for more space. 

“Thanks to Lloyds, we’re now in a position to welcome more children into an environment designed to meet their needs. 

“This is an important first step towards our longer-term ambitions, and it’s about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating opportunities for children to learn, grow and be truly understood.”

William Harvey, relationship manager at Lloyds, added: “Haskel School is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when purpose meets passion. 

“From the very beginning, it’s been a deeply personal mission for Rabbi Sugarman and his family, and the impact is clear. 

“We’re proud to support the next phase of the school’s journey, helping to secure its future so it can continue to transform lives across the community.”

Haskel School was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024, praised as “a place which exudes calmness, joy, and positivity”.

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