Specialist school founder plans college expansion

A Cheshire education provider is planning to expand its specialist provision with a new college for young people aged 16 to 25.

Kirsty Woolridge, founder of Wonder Star School in Rode Heath, is aiming to open Wonder Star Futures in Crewe in January 2027, initially providing 30 places.

The expansion follows the first year of Wonder Star School, which opened last September with 14 pupils aged five to 11.

Numbers are set to increase to 20 when the new term begins next month.

Kirsty, a former teacher, teaching assistant and special educational needs coordinator, says demand is growing for smaller, personalised SEND provision.

The plans follow her acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent of shares in parent business Wonderstar Learning for an undisclosed sum, making Kirsty the sole owner and director.

She said: “There is a clear need for high-quality specialist post-16 provision, helping young people with SEND make the transition between school and adulthood while remaining close to their local communities.

“We are currently finalising arrangements for the new college and are excited to be embarking on the next chapter for the business.

“Becoming the sole owner of Wonderstar Learning marks an important milestone and enables us to focus fully on delivering our long-term plans.

“I recently stepped back from the role of headteacher to focus on the strategic development of the organisation, and we have appointed Lauren Pierpoint as head of school to lead day-to-day operations at Wonder Star School.

“The launch of Wonder Star Futures will create further opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25 to continue learning, build confidence, develop their skills and prepare for the next stage of their lives.”

Kirsty was advised on the transaction by Jen Goodwin, head of corporate at Staffordshire law firm Myers & Co.

Jen added: “Kirsty has built an impressive education business in a relatively short space of time, and it’s been rewarding to support her through this important stage of its development.

“Acquiring the remaining shares has given Kirsty full ownership and control of the company, providing a strong platform for continued development as she looks to expand the specialist provision available to young people whose educational needs cannot be met in mainstream settings.”

Wonder Star School currently employs 11 people and primarily supports children with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism.

Its expansion follows a positive Ofsted inspection in May, when inspectors described the school as having a “genuine family feel” and praised its nurturing environment and pupils’ progress.

Kirsty added: “Since opening Wonder Star School, our focus has been on creating a nurturing, personalised environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally.

“The response from families and the feedback from Ofsted have been extremely encouraging.

“I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated team we have built at Wonder Star School and the positive difference they make to the lives of our pupils every day.

“As more families seek specialist provision, we are continuing to develop our facilities and the opportunities available to pupils and their families across the region.”

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