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Harrogate MP to push for progress on new special school

Tuesday, 26 August 2025 07:17

The school will be based on the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School.

Local MP Tom Gordon is set to push for progress on the long-delayed opening of a special school in Bilton.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough is set to meet with the Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, about the opening of Bilton Specialist School.

The school was due to open in September 2024 but has since been delayed - with no clear timeline in place.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, Tom raised the issue directly with the Minister before Parliament rose for summer recess and pushed for a meeting to get answers, which is now confirmed for September.

Tom said he recognises the "urgent need" for this school to open, as demand for specialist places in North Yorkshire "far outstrips current provision."

He said:

“The ongoing delay in opening Bilton Specialist School is causing real stress and disruption for children and families. Repeated setbacks and a lack of clear information have left parents frustrated, and this simply isn’t acceptable.

“I have spoken to countless families whose children are stuck in unsuitable provision or forced to travel long distances each day just to get the support they need, which shows how urgently this school is required.

“My upcoming meeting with the Department for Education must deliver clarity. Families deserve certainty and action, not further delays, and I will keep up the pressure until they get it.”

North Yorkshire Council has advised that the delay is due to the Government not yet appointing an academy trust to run the school.

They say that until this is resolved, the council cannot confirm an opening date.

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