New Leicestershire £30m SEND school could open in 2028

“We’ve got a rise in demand for special needs places that’s national and that’s also reflected locally,” Browne said. “It’s very clear the Harborough district has a real shortfall so it’s important we start looking at increasing capacity in that particular area.” He said the school “would absolutely pay for itself very quickly” despite the £30m price tag for taxpayers.This is because independent specialist placements for SEND children cost Leicestershire County Council nearly £70,000 a year, whereas specialist schools maintained and run by the county council cost between £23,000 and £30,000, he said. The school would include dining halls, music studios, drama spaces, and “ample” playing fields, including multi-use games areas and parking, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Browne said the council hopes to open the school by September 2028, which he admits is an “ambitious target”.