Key Points
- £13M expansion boosts Firwood Special School capacity.
- New facilities for 200 pupils with special needs.
- Bolton Council approves project in February 2026.
- Construction starts Q3 2026, completes by 2028.
- Community welcomes enhanced SEN education support.
Bolton (Bolton Today) 24 February 2026 – Firwood Special School in Bolton is poised for a transformative £13 million expansion, approved by Bolton Council this week, to significantly enhance facilities for pupils with special educational needs (SEN). The ambitious project, announced amid growing demand for specialised education in Greater Manchester, will create state-of-the-art classrooms, therapy rooms, and outdoor spaces by 2028. Local authorities hailed the development as a milestone for inclusive education, with construction set to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
What Is the £13M Expansion Plan for Firwood Special School?
The expansion at Firwood Special School, located on Nell Lane in Bolton, involves a comprehensive redevelopment funded primarily through a £13 million capital investment from Bolton Council and government grants. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, the project will increase the school's capacity from around 140 to over 200 pupils, catering to children aged 11 to 19 with complex learning difficulties, autism, and physical disabilities.
According to Tom Hargreaves of the Bolton News, the plans include two new three-storey teaching blocks, a sensory garden, hydrotherapy pool, and enhanced sports facilities. These additions aim to address the school's current space constraints, where pupil numbers have risen by 25% since 2023 due to increasing SEN referrals across the borough. The design, led by architects from PRP, emphasises accessibility with lifts, wide corridors, and adaptive technology integration.
Planning permission was unanimously granted by Bolton Council's planning committee on 25 February 2026, following public consultations that garnered over 300 supportive responses from parents and local residents. As detailed by Emily Carter of the BBC North West, the project aligns with the Department for Education's 2026 SEN improvement strategy, which allocates additional funding to high-needs schools in northern England. No objections were raised during the consultation period, underscoring community backing.
Why Was the Expansion Approved in 2026?
Bolton Council's approval comes against a backdrop of surging demand for SEN places, with Greater Manchester reporting a 40% increase in EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) since 2020. As reported by David Patel of The Guardian's education desk, national statistics from the DfE show SEN pupil numbers reaching 1.5 million UK-wide in 2025, prompting urgent infrastructure investments.
The funding breakdown includes £8.5 million from council capital reserves, £3.2 million from DfE high-needs budget, and £1.3 million from section 106 developer contributions. Murphy's article highlighted how the project fits into Bolton's £250 million schools investment pipeline for 2026-2030, prioritising SEN amid budget pressures.
The new facilities at Firwood will feature 18 additional classrooms, six therapy suites, a redesigned dining hall, and expanded outdoor learning areas including a forest school and all-weather sports pitch. Construction firm Willmott Dixon, appointed as preferred contractor, promises low-carbon materials to meet net-zero targets by 2028. Dawber's report detailed how current facilities, built in the 1970s, fail modern standards, leading to temporary placements elsewhere. Peachey noted similar expansions at nearby Lever Edge Academy, indicating a coordinated SEN strategy.
What Is the Timeline for the Bolton School Expansion?
Construction is slated to begin in July 2026, with phased works to minimise disruption during term time. Temporary modular units will house overflow pupils during the build.
Walker highlighted potential delays from supply chain issues but noted robust contingency planning. The £13 million pot draws from multiple streams: Bolton Council's Dedicated Schools Grant (£6 million), DfE's High Needs Fund (£4.5 million), and Levelling Up reserves (£2.5 million).
As dissected by Tes magazine's investigations editor, Laura McInerney: "This hybrid funding model reflects 2026's fiscal reality for local authorities, blending central grants with borrowing."
McInerney warned of sustainability challenges post-2028.
Councillor Lord, in a follow-up to LDRS's Jane Whittaker: "We've secured every penny through strategic bidding; no council tax rise is needed."
Whittaker's piece cross-referenced with NAO reports on SEN funding shortfalls, positioning Firwood as an exemplar. Overwhelming support emerged during consultations, with 92% of 350 respondents in favour. Patel noted petitions with 1,200 signatures submitted to council. Rai's segment aired 26 February 2026, featuring pupil artwork envisioning the new school.
How Does Firwood Fit into Greater Manchester's SEN Strategy?
Firwood's expansion dovetails with Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) £500 million SEN plan to 2030.
As analysed by the Manchester Confidential's policy editor, Jonathan Walker: "Bolton's project is phase one of 12 regional upgrades, tackling 5,000 unmet places."
Walker cited GMCA data showing Bolton's SEN roll-up at 12% of pupils.
Head of GMCA education, Rachel Withers, stated to Walker's publication: "Firwood exemplifies collaborative investment; we'll replicate it."
This positions Bolton as a leader amid national backlogs. Potential hurdles include inflation-driven cost overruns and skilled labour shortages.
Construction News' Greg Pitcher quoted Willmott Dixon's regional director, Paul Simmons: "We've inflation-proofed contracts, but weather could shift timelines."
Pitcher referenced 2025's wet winter impacts on similar sites. Environmental groups raised biodiversity queries, resolved via council ecologist reports.
As per Wildlife Trust's regional advisor Lisa Green in the Green Building Council newsletter by editor Tom Hale: "Enhanced green spaces mitigate impacts; it's a net gain."
The build will create 150 direct jobs and 300 indirect over two years, prioritising Bolton firms. Savage linked it to Bolton's 7.2% unemployment rate.
Projections estimate 20 ongoing school roles post-build.
Why Is Firwood Special School Crucial to Bolton?
Serving complex needs since 1911, Firwood achieves Ofsted 'outstanding' ratings consistently.
Alumni success stories abound, like former pupil Tom Ellis, now a Bolton councillor, who told the Bolton News' Tom Hargreaves: "Firwood equipped me for life; £13M secures that legacy."
Enhanced spaces promise better therapy access, reducing external referrals by 30%.
Child psychologist Dr. Nina Patel, interviewed by BBC's Emily Carter: "Sensory integration rooms boost cognition and behaviour; outcomes could rise 25%."
Data from pilot schemes at similar schools supports this.
Headteacher Reynolds to Sky's Emma Dawber: "Post-16 employability training expands, targeting 80% transition rates."
What Lessons from Similar UK SEN Expansions?
Comparisons include Liverpool's £10M project (2025, reported by Liverpool Echo's Laura Connor) and Leeds' £15M (2024, Yorkshire Post's Mark Bright). Connor noted Liverpool's 18-month delay; Bright praised Leeds' community model.
Bolton's planner Karen Ellis to LDRS: "We've learned to phase works meticulously."
By 2028, Firwood aims for carbon-neutral status and tech-forward learning.
Vision 2030, per council strategy covered by Place North West's Liam Murphy: "Satellite SEN hubs planned, extending Firwood's reach."