A small secondary school for pupils suffering from problems including anxiety, depression and eating disorders is set to open in Preston city centre.The school will cater for 11-16-year-olds who are unable to access mainstream education for a variety of medical-related reasons. It will be state-funded, but run by an independent provider, Refresh Education.
The new establishment – said to have been founded by “experienced educators and dedicated parents” – intends to combine traditional qualifications with opportunities for work experience in order to prepare students for future employment. A report by council planning officers – who have granted prior approval to the scheme under permitted development legislation – stated that the applicant had suggested students would be likely to use public transport and that there were dropping-off options further down the road from the building. Lancashire County Council highways officers did not oppose the plans.
Meanwhile, concerns were highlighted over the maintenance of the wider Fishergate Court building – which stands opposite County Hall – and the potential need for any extra costs incurred as a result of the school to be levied directly upon the provider and not shared between all tenants.