Imagine a school that not only transforms lives but also saves millions of pounds annually. That’s exactly what’s happening at Firwood Special School in Bolton, where a groundbreaking £13.1 million expansion is set to create 100 additional places for students with profound, severe, and multiple learning difficulties, including autism and autism spectrum disorder. But here’s where it gets even more impactful: this expansion isn’t just about growth—it’s projected to save Bolton Council a staggering £6.4 million every year by reducing the need to place children in schools outside the borough. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about keeping these children close to home, providing them with stability, and ensuring they receive the care and education they deserve in their own community.
Approved in April last year, the expansion involves building a post-16 facility on land adjacent to the Jubilee Centre on Crompton Way. The project, initially estimated at £15 million, has been streamlined to £13.1 million, showcasing efficient planning and resource allocation. Cllr Martin Donaghy, Cabinet member for children’s services, emphasized the dual benefit of the initiative: “Within two years, it’ll have paid for itself,” he noted, highlighting the financial prudence behind the investment. But beyond the savings, he stressed, “For the children, it’s about keeping them in the borough, giving them stability, and ensuring they’re close to home.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: While 86% of respondents in a council consultation supported the expansion, and 76% agreed the Jubilee Centre site was appropriate, some might argue whether the funding could be better allocated to other pressing educational needs. Is this the best use of £13.1 million, or are there other areas in Bolton’s education system that deserve equal attention? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
The funding, sourced from the School’s Capital Programme, will cover temporary accommodation if needed, a design check by the Energy Counsel to ensure energy compliance, and various planning and building control approvals. It will also address services like easements, covenants, and final design development, particularly around the kitchen facilities. A Bolton Council report highlighted that the expansion will not only meet the rising demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places but also foster partnerships between Bolton Cares and the Academy Trust to improve outcomes for all service users.
Since Cabinet approval in April 2025, the Woodbridge Academy Trust, which runs Firwood School, has advanced the design and tender process. Conlon Construction is set to begin work in April 2026, with completion scheduled for October 2027. This expansion builds on Firwood’s history of growth, from its initial capacity of 90 students when it opened, to an expansion at the Stitch-Mi-Lane site completed in 2022. Yet, by last year, it became clear that more places were still needed, leading to the selection of the Jubilee Centre site for this latest development.
And this is the part that truly matters: Every child in Bolton deserves the chance to achieve their potential. This expansion isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that no child is left behind. But we want to hear from you: Do you think this expansion addresses the root of the issue, or are there deeper challenges in the education system that need tackling? Share your perspective below—let’s start a conversation that could shape the future of education in Bolton.
