A college building in the city is set to be turned into a new sixth form SEND school.
Worcestershire County Council is planning to buy the St Dunstan’s building from Heart of Worcestershire College.
Education bosses say repurposing the building will help reduce education and transport costs for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are currently placed in out-of-county settings.
EDUCATION CHIEF: Councillor Stephen Foster (Image: Worcestershire County Council)
Stephen Foster, the council’s cabinet member for education, said: “The excessive cost of provision, often out of county, will be significantly reduced, as will Home to School Transport.
“This could result in savings in excess of £10m per annum,” he told a children and families overview and scrutiny panel meeting on Monday, May 11.
It is hoped the move will help address the rising cost of home-to-school transport, which has more than doubled from around £15 million in 2019/20 to more than £36 million in 2025/26.
The budget for 2026/27 is set at £48.3 million, with a target to save £4.5 million over the year.
The council transports around 11,000 children to and from school every day, including an increasing number of SEND pupils.
Highways chief Nik Price said: “Behind every number is a child, a family, a parent managing incredibly difficult daily routines.
“We are seeing growing demand and increasing complexity, especially around SEND transport.
“Our focus is on making sure these services remain safe, reliable and sustainable for the children and families who rely on them every day.”
Of the pupils the council transports, around 496 currently travel to schools outside Worcestershire under 229 bespoke taxi contracts, costing the authority £5.6 million.
The St Dunstan’s building, located in The Butts, is currently used by Heart of Worcestershire College for its hair and beauty and art and design departments.
‘Iconic’ former NHS building ready for transformation
Council chief exec tops Worcestershire’s town hall rich list
Why are there no elections in Worcester today?
It was put up for sale in November last year for £2.95 million as part of a wider estate review.
A college spokesperson said at the time: “We can confirm that the St Dunstan’s Building has been placed on the market.
“This decision follows a strategic review of our estate and forms part of our long-term plan to optimise space and enhance the student experience.”
Worcester City Council leader Lynn Denham has called for it to be used as a school.