20/08/2026
Lighthouse School Harrogate prepares for November opening
Lighthouse Education Trust has made key senior leadership appointments as preparations continue ahead of the opening of Lighthouse School Harrogate in November this year.
The appointments follow the signing of the school’s funding agreement with the Department for Education, which marks a significant milestone in the development of the new specialist school.
Lighthouse Education Trust has an existing, highly successful school in Leeds, which provides specialist education for autistic children and young people. Building on this success, the new Harrogate school will meet the growing demand for specialist provision across North Yorkshire. It will grow steadily from 24 places in 2026/27 up to 80 places for students aged 11 to 19 and will be located on the former Woodfield Primary School site. Places will be allocated based upon careful assessment of individual children’s Education, Health and Care needs and the suitability of the school to meet assessed needs. The school will offer a broad academic curriculum alongside personalised support to help every student thrive.
Preparations for the school’s opening will be led by newly appointed Principal Jo Tunnicliffe, who brings extensive experience of school leadership. Jo will work alongside the newly appointed senior leadership team to establish a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive learning environment.
Executive Principal of Lighthouse Education Trust, Emma Sullivan, said:
"We are delighted to have signed the funding agreement and lease for Lighthouse School Harrogate. This is a significant milestone in our journey to provide more specialist school places for autistic children and young people across the region.
"We have already secured some excellent appointments and are building a talented and dedicated team who share our vision and values. We are working closely with all our partners to ensure everything is in place for a successful opening.
"We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first students and their families through the school gates in November and beginning this exciting new chapter for Lighthouse School Harrogate."
Executive Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson said:
“It is fantastic to hear that senior staff appointments are now in place, as well as the funding agreement, that enables the Trust to move towards opening the school. This new school has been part of our plan to have sufficient specialist provision for North Yorkshire’s Children and I am delighted to see that planning coming to fruition.”
“We welcome Lighthouse Education Trust to North Yorkshire and look forward to seeing our children and young people benefit from this school for many years to come.”
The school is due to open in November 2026, with final preparations now underway ahead of welcoming its first students and their families when places are allocated.
