THE former Washington campus of Sunderland College could become a specialist centre for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) following a council investment.
Sunderland City Council has acquired the former college in Usworth for £2.65m on behalf of its children’s services provider, Together for Children, securing a major educational asset for the city as demand for specialist SEND provision continues to rise.
Plans include the relocation of Barbara Priestman Academy, which has outgrown its current location, to create a larger more flexible learning environment and bring the academy’s main provision and sixth form together on a single site.
The move would be subject to statutory consultation and approval from the Department for Education. Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet has already agreed to fund improvements to the site, with up to £5m of Department for Education grant funding to support refurbishment and suitability works.
“This is an important investment in education in Sunderland and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have access to the high-quality support and learning environments they deserve,” said Coun Carol Giles, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Social Mobility.
“Securing the former Washington Campus gives us a unique opportunity to meet growing demand for specialist places and create more space for children and young people with SEND needs to learn, develop and thrive.
“If the proposals are approved, our partnership with Barbara Priestman will also provide much-needed additional capacity now, while also giving us the opportunity to develop provision that meets the needs of children and young people for years to come.”
The Washington Campus of Sunderland College was built on the site which once housed Usworth Comprehensive School, which opened in 1969 and closed in 2006.
Graeme Musson, Head of Academy at Barbara Priestman Academy, added: “We are pleased to be working closely with Sunderland City Council and Together for Children to explore this exciting opportunity for Barbara Priestman Academy.
“We believe every young person deserves an environment where they can thrive and realise their full potential. The proposed move would give us the opportunity to develop modern, spacious facilities that better support the individual strengths, needs and aspirations of our young people, helping them grow in confidence, develop independence and prepare for the future.
“The wellbeing of our young people will remain our priority throughout this process, and we are committed to working closely with families, colleagues and our partners to ensure their voices help shape our proposals.”
Detailed design work for the campus, which was originally built to house 800 students, is already underway, with procurement anticipated by the end of 2026.
Work could begin in early 2027 with sufficient accommodation potentially ready for occupation in the 2027/2028 academic year.
