Council approves expansion of Green Park School

The City of Wolverhampton Council has formally approved the permanent expansion of Green Park School, creating an additional 27 places for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The decision, taken by Cabinet last week following the completion of statutory consultation processes, will see an extension built on the existing school site. The number of places will increase by 27 from September 2027.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "We are committed to ensuring that every child has access to the right provision to help them thrive, and this expansion is a vital step in meeting the growing demand for specialist school places in Wolverhampton.

"Green Park has an excellent reputation, and almost all of those who took part in the consultation process were supportive of the proposals."

Lorraine Dawney, Headteacher of Green Park School, said: "At Green Park, we are proud of our children and young people who strive each day to reach their full potential. Our school is a place where every child is valued, encouraged, and supported to grow not only academically but personally, and we are excited that the planned expansion has been approved.

“We welcome new children and their families into our community, where together we make a difference in their lives. The time spent at Green Park is more than education – it is preparation for life beyond school, equipping our pupils with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in the world.”

Members of Cabinet heard that demand for specialist school places has risen sharply in recent years. The number of pupils in Wolverhampton of statutory school age with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) increased by 58% between June 2020 and June 2025, rising from 1,549 to 2,453. Post-16 pupils with an EHCP increased by 63% over the same period.

Meanwhile, projections show that EHCP’s across Reception to Year 11 are expected to rise by 26% between 2025 and 2030. To ensure sufficiency of provision, the council is investing heavily in the SEND estate, including expansions of both special schools and resource bases.

Councillor Coogan added: "This expansion reflects our commitment to planning ahead and investing in specialist provision. By increasing capacity at Green Park School, we are helping to ensure that even more children and young people with SEND can access the right support."