A new school has opened inside a Grade-II listed building that was formerly part of a grammar school after passing its final hurdle with regulators.
Horizon Care and Education Group announced it would be opening a specialist school for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) earlier this year.
Thornycroft School will provide education for up to 70 children aged between five and 19 with conditions including autism, ADHD, and social, emotional and mental health needs.
It has now opened and is accepting referrals after a preregistration inspection was carried out by Ofsted and returned a positive result.
It will charge £75,000 annual fees for day pupils, who will receive 27.5 hours of teaching per week.
The building previously served as Oldham Hulme Grammar School's Nursery and Infant School, before becoming the Hulme Grammar School Thornycroft Prep School, however, the school sold off the property last year as it phased out its kindergarten.
It was reported that the kindergarten was deemed "no longer financially viable", with Hulme Grammar School instead focusing on its provision from Reception to Year 13.
The new school has undergone a refurbishment in preparation for its opening, which was designed to preserve local heritage.
The three-storey main building will include dedicated breakout areas for individualised learning and one-on-one therapeutic support, and the site will also include a primary school building surrounded by outdoor facilities for play, regulation, and sensory experiences.
The Ofsted report, published publicly, stated that the school would likely meet the independent school standards if it were to open.
The report said that Horizon has a 'clear, well-informed vision' for the school.
It said: "It has used its extensive knowledge of operating other independent schools to ensure that the proposed school will be likely to meet the standards consistently over time.
"The proprietor has used this knowledge to ensure that there are clear systems for oversight of safeguarding, behaviour and the quality of the education that the proposed school will provide.
"The proprietor and school leaders have a clear plan for admissions, with the school increasing the number of pupils on roll over time.
"This steady increase will allow leaders time to focus on ensuring that pupils are receiving a high-quality education."
It also said that leaders have given sufficient thought to the range of needs for the pupils they want to admit, and that all subject areas have 'clear and well-considered' schemes of work in place.
Horizon’s Managing Director of Education, Andrew Kitterick, said: “As local needs continue to increase, we’re committed to supporting children, local authorities, parents and carers across Oldham and the surrounding areas.
“By delivering therapy-led, outcomes-focused education locally, we ensure every child receives the right support at the right time, empowering them to achieve the positive futures they deserve.
"We are incredibly proud to have now officially opened Thornycroft School and look forward to welcoming our pupils, families and new staff team.”
Newly appointed headteacher, Jennifer Hallam, said: "We want every young person to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
“We will empower children with the confidence and integrity to flourish, ensuring they are prepared for life beyond school.
"Thornycroft has high aspirations for all learners.
“We will get to know our children well, and this will allow us to tailor our curriculum, ensuring their success personally as well as academically.”
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