Durham County Council to open Fyndoune specialist school

Durham County Council is planning a major redevelopment of the former Fyndoune Community College site in Sacriston as part of its investment in specialist education.

The new facility will cater for pupils with special educational and medical needs, including secondary school-aged children who require additional support.

A pre-application for the redevelopment has now been submitted to the council, with letters to be delivered to nearby residents from Monday, August 17.

The council said the revamped site would provide a “dedicated, high-quality specialist educational curriculum” designed to prepare young people for life in their local communities.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, the authority’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, welcomed the plans.

She said: “We are delighted that plans are in place to redevelop Fyndoune.

“As part of our commitment to invest in services that are vital to our communities, these proposals will help us to support even more of our young people.

“The redevelopment of Fyndoune will allow for secondary pupils with additional needs to stay closer to home, as well as supporting those across the county who are unable to attend school for medical reasons, to make the transition back into mainstream school.”

The council also said the new facilities would benefit the wider Sacriston community, with residents able to access both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Councillor Hunt added: “We will also make sure that the updated facilities will benefit the community, offering access to both indoor and outdoor facilities for residents, promoting positive health, wellbeing and community engagement.

“We look forward to work getting underway to redevelop the site in the new year.”

Fyndoune Community College closed in April 2021 following a merger with Durham Community Business College for Technology and Enterprise in Ushaw Moor.

The announcement comes after the Reform-led administration launched a new capital programme earlier this year, aimed at improving schools, children’s and adults’ social care, and infrastructure. 

Among the investments is £33.5 million in special educational school provision, including a £13.5 million investment in new facilities at Fyndoune and £26 million for a new special school at Villa Real, Consett. There are also plans to invest £7 million towards Durham Cares, aimed at alleviating pressures on children’s services.  

A public consultation event will be held in the school hall at Fyndoune on Thursday, August 27.

The event, which will take place between 4pm and 7pm, will feature a display of the proposed plans.