Sandwell Council has been given government backing for a new special school for primary children.

The free school is proposed for land off Friar Park Road, the site of the former Manor High School in Wednesbury, which was devastated by fire earlier this week

It is expected the school will accommodate 126 children with special educational needs and disabilities with a focus on children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder with Moderate Learning Difficulties.

Sandwell Council will be looking for a sponsor for the special primary free school and it is hoped the school will open in September 2021. Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services said:

"Being a local resident in this area I am all too aware that the derelict school has caused numerous problems for the local community.

"I am excited about the possibility of three developments on this land and the special school for primary children will create much-needed special school places for children from all over Sandwell."

Phoenix Collegiate is considering a proposal to redevelop the remaining school site for residential development.

The other part of the land, where the derelict school stands, will be transferred over to the Department for Education for a proposed planning application to build a new 90 place Secondary Special Free School.

All proposals for the land are subject to planning permission.