Council approves £26 million school investment

A County Durham special educational needs school is set for a major rebuild after councillors approved plans for a £26 million investment.

Durham County Council’s Cabinet has agreed proposals to allocate funding for a new building at Villa Real School, which supports more than 120 pupils aged two to 19 with severe, profound, medical and complex learning difficulties.

Officials say the new facility is expected to provide modern, purpose-built spaces better suited to pupils’ needs, while also increasing capacity to support more children and young people.

Jill Bowe, head teacher at Villa Real School, said: “We have been seeking ways to secure funding for a new school for several years, so our pupils can have the best provision to meet their needs. 

“We are absolutely delighted that a new state of the art building will now be in process. 

“Our pupils, staff and families are so happy with the news.”

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, added: “As part of our declared Care Emergency, we made a commitment as a cabinet to invest in the services that are vital to our communities.

“Currently, Villa Real School is operating from a building with outdated facilities which limits capacity for the number of pupils it can support. 

“This school provides support for children and young people with some of the highest needs, so a new building would be invaluable.

“We’re thrilled to take the first step today by agreeing to proposals to invest in Villa Real School. 

“I’m sure this will also be a welcome announcement for families, to know that their children can go to school in a brand-new facility that is tailored to meet their needs.”

The funding has been earmarked within the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan, which will now go before full council for formal approval. 

Plans for the new school remain at an early stage, with a location yet to be confirmed.

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