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Lighthouse School, Harrogate: Consultation on Opening

Lighthouse Education Trust has been approved by North Yorkshire Council to open a new special free school in Harrogate.

Lighthouse School, Harrogate will be a provision serving up to 80 autistic children and young people aged 11-19 who are able to access a KS3, KS4 or KS5 curriculum at or around the corresponding age range for that curriculum. The school will deliver community-driven, student-centred, and destination-focused nurture and support to children and young people in Harrogate. It will build on Lighthouse Education Trust’s successful curriculum, staffing structure, and operational model, ensuring pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing them for adulthood.

Admissions to Lighthouse School, Harrogate will be managed through North Yorkshire Council, who will allocate places via EHCPs. The school will be located on the site of the former Woodfield Primary School in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, postcode HG1 4HZ, which is being fitted out for our new cohort.

As part of the opening process, we are seeking the views of parents, carers, local residents, professionals, and wider stakeholders on the opening of this school. Your feedback will help shape the development of Lighthouse School, Harrogate. This survey will be open from 5/12/2025 to 27/01/2026.

Please complete the short survey below - it should take no more than 5 minutes. Many thanks in advance for contributing your views.

Kind regards,
Emma Sullivan
Principal of Lighthouse School Leeds
Lighthouse Education Trust
1.Do you support the proposal to open a new 80-place 11–19 special school (Lighthouse School, Harrogate) in Harrogate for autistic pupils who are able to access a KS3, KS4 or KS5 curriculum at or around the corresponding age range for that curriculum?
2.Do you understand and support the proposed admissions arrangements for Lighthouse School, Harrogate (places allocated via North Yorkshire Council and Education, Health and Care Plans, according to the attached Statement of Provision)?
3.Do you support the proposed curriculum, which includes high-achieving academic pathways, therapeutic provision, functional life skills, and vocational opportunities?
4.Do you agree that Lighthouse School, Harrogate should open in September 2026, which would involve entering into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education similar to all free schools?
5.Do you have any additional comments or suggestions regarding the opening of Lighthouse School, Harrogate (please do not enter any identifying personal information in this box)?
6.Please indicate which of the following best describes you (please do not include any personal information such as your name or your address. Tick all that apply: