A NEW special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school is preparing to welcome its first cohort.
Elmy Hall School, located on Greenbank Lane in Rudheath, Northwich, will accommodate up to 100 pupils in a newly refurbished building.
The school was acquired by the Polaris Community, one of the UK’s largest providers of children’s services, in July 2025.
It will open its doors in early spring.
Loren Cahill, head of organic growth at Polaris, said: "This exciting addition to our community enhances the high-calibre provision within Polaris.
"With its specialist rooms and nurture approach, the school will extend the curriculum range and ensure the essential balance of excellent academic and therapeutic support.
"We’re working in partnership with local authorities to ensure the right children are placed with us and can start to enjoy a tailored and nurturing learning environment."
The building has been renamed Elmy Hall School in honour of Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy, a Cheshire suffragist, teacher and human rights activist who opened a school for girls in the area.
The school is currently recruiting specialist teaching and support staff to help deliver its therapeutic and educational programmes.
Head teacher Neil Hewitt, who has experience supporting children with additional needs across all age groups, said: "I’m really looking forward to getting to know the students, building positive relationships with them, and giving them a safe and high-quality learning environment.
"Elmy Hall School will give students who are struggling with mainstream education a second chance.
"A chance where they can express themselves in a different way to what they might have been allowed to do before.
"We will give students the space to be creative and demonstrate all the skills they have.
"Our focus at Elmy Hall will be to help the pupils and their families as much as possible, showing everyone kindness, respect and providing a caring and therapeutic learning environment."
The school will work in partnership with local authorities to ensure appropriate placements and support for each child.
Refurbishments to the building have included the addition of specialist rooms, break out spaces and sensory rooms.
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