Warrington Borough Council are currently undertaking a consultation that will affect pupils at Fox Wood, Green Lane and Woolston Sixth Form

The proposed changes

Under the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, we are informing interested parties of the intention to make the following changes to Fox Wood Special School and Green Lane Community Special School:

• Establish that Fox Wood operates on two satellite school sites of Fox Cubs located at Sandy Lane in Orford (WA2 9HY) and by moving the post-16 provision to the Peace Centre building at Peace Drive in Great Sankey (WA5 1HQ). This is in addition to the main site at Woolston Learning Village.
• Increase capacity of Fox Wood to a 2-form entry school of 252 school places for pupils aged 4–19 years, which includes 60 places in post-16 provision from 1 September 2025.
• Change of age range at Green Lane from 4–19 to 4–16 with effect from 1 September 2025, with the transfer of post-16 pupils and relevant staff to Fox Wood

Have your say now to feed into this consultation

CLICK HERE to go to the consultation page

The consultation is open until May 26th

Frequently Asked Questions

The Local authority is building a list of FAQ's for parents, carers and young people. These are included below.

Why is the Sixth Form moving to the Peace Centre Campus?

Warrington Council aims to create more special school sixth form places. They are investing in this project to enhance services for young people with SEND.

My child’s EHCP states that they are attending Woolston Sixth Form – how can you move them to a different provision?

The location of the Sixth Form will change, but the provision in your child's EHCP will remain the same. This can be discussed in more detail during Annual Review meetings in 2025/2026 with Woolston Sixth Form staff and the SEND Case Worker from the Local Authority.

Will it still be called Woolston Sixth Form?

We want your child to help decide the name for the new provision. This will be agreed with current Woolston Sixth Form students in the coming months.

How will my child get to The Peace Centre Campus?

The Local Authority will work with families for a smooth transition. They will collaborate with transport representatives. Parents can apply for council-funded transport. If eligible, your child will get suitable transport to the new site. Families will receive support to ensure students are not disadvantaged.

Who will be the headteacher of the College at The Peace Centre Campus?

Fox Wood Special School will lead the Sixth Form at the Peace Centre Campus. The headteacher will be Miss Lucinda Duffy, and Miss Louise Messham will continue to lead during the transition. School leaders will report to the Fox Wood governing board.

Will it be the same teachers at The Peace Centre Campus?

Staff at the Peace Centre Campus will be employed by Warrington Borough Council. They will be accountable to the Fox Wood Special School governors. We expect most staff will be current members. If new staff are needed, the school will help everyone get to know each other before the move.

My child currently attends Green Lane or Fox Wood – will they still get a place at the Peace Centre Campus?

There will be no change in how places are allocated at the Sixth Form. Young people will move to the new Peace Centre Campus instead of Woolston Learning Village.

Can the new Sixth Form provision meet my child’s needs?

If a young person's needs can be met at the Peace Centre Campus, they will be offered a place. Students currently at Woolston Learning will transfer to the new provision. The curriculum will adapt to meet students’ needs, offering the same pathways and accreditation routes.

When will the students start to move to the Peace Centre Campus?

Students are expected to begin moving in September 2026, but this may change. The transition will be carefully planned to ensure all young people feel supported and safe. If possible, students may visit the new building before September.

What will the new provision be like?

We will share photos of the new site when available. Young people will see images, discuss the move, and learn what life will be like at the Peace Centre Campus. Staff at Woolston Learning Village will continue to support students during this transition.

When will the Peace Centre Campus open?

We aim for the Peace Centre Campus to open in September 2026, but this may change. If there are delays, students will stay at the current site until the transition occurs.

What is the age range for the Peace Centre provision?

The provision is for young people aged 16 to 19. Will there be residential care offered at the site? No, there will be no residential care.

Will there be outdoor and recreation facilities?

Yes, students will access outdoor and recreation facilities at the site and in the local community. Photos of these facilities will be shared when available.

Will the building be fully accessible for all young people?

Yes, the building will be accessible for everyone.

Will there be any other students based at the Peace Centre Campus?

Yes, there are plans for a post-19 setting that will operate separately from the Sixth Form at the same site.

What will happen to the existing Sixth Form facilities at Woolston Learning Village?

These facilities will be refurbished to create more places for children aged up to 16.

Will my child move to a different class when they move to the Peace Centre Campus?

The move will align with the start of the new academic year. Students will choose their futures during the summer. This information will help decide form groups, ensuring personalized offers for students.

Will there be a meeting for parents before the move to the Peace Centre Campus?

Yes, we will hold meetings and events for students, parents, and carers before any significant changes. These events will provide information, allow questions, and share photos of key locations. This support will be especially important before the move.

Will the school uniform change?

Students in the Sixth Form do not wear a uniform, and this will not change.

Will my child have access to therapeutic support and external services at the Peace Centre Campus?

All external services will be involved in discussions about the transition. They will be welcomed at the new site, just as they are now. In-house therapeutic support will also continue unless enhanced.

Will my child have support for their health needs?

Yes, students' health needs will be met, and staff will be trained to provide support.

What will the first day be like?

Students will be prepared for their first day with visual aids, social stories, and discussions. They will have a clear sense of the environment and activities. When they arrive, they will be greeted warmly and engaged in familiar activities to ease any anxieties.

Where is the Peace Centre?

The Peace Centre is in Great Sankey, next to St Gregory’s Catholic High School. It is 4.1 miles from Woolston Learning Village.

What are the values and aspirations of the new provision?

We aim to create an inclusive environment for students with severe and complex needs. This setting will empower them to reach their full potential and prepare for adult life. Its central location will allow easier access to town centre resources.

What support is available?

Established partnerships and support services will continue at the new provision. Support will remain available for learning, health, personal care, and more.

Will the curriculum change?

The curriculum will balance academic achievement and life skills, tailored to students' diverse needs. It will reflect students’ aspirations and interests, helping them thrive in their families and communities.

What extracurricular activities are on offer?

This area is still developing, and students will help design opportunities based on their interests. The new provision features a larger common room for social events. Community visits and celebrations will continue, with more opportunities for outings due to the closer proximity to the town centre.

Will the atmosphere change in a bigger venue?

There will be many changes as the college moves, but students will continue to shape the atmosphere. Staff will remain dedicated, and this commitment will drive a positive environment.

Will the process of application remain the same for new students?

Yes, the application process will remain the same.

Will there be a phased transition?

There will be a phased transition plan to minimise disruption or anxiety for students and families. This includes personalized transition plans for all students, ensuring continuity of care and education. Orientation experiences will build confidence and excitement for the move. Students will share this experience with their peers and familiar staff, creating a sense of community.

What will the health offer be at the Peace Centre?

There will be partnership working between Bridgewater Healthcare teams and the college staff. This ensures students’ health needs are met. Specialist health staff will be involved in the college offer, and those working with students daily will be trained to deliver therapeutic or health interventions.