A NEW school opening in the heart of Chester this September will create more than 200 new jobs.

Abbey School, based in a Grade II* listed building in Chester’s historic Abbey Square, will be staffed by an expert trans-disciplinary team.

The day and residential special educational needs and disability (SEND) school will have up to 75 places for children and young persons aged four to 19 years.

It will cater for pupils with a diagnosis of autism and/or severe learning difficulties, who may display behaviour of concern or behaviour that challenges families and services.

The school’s team of staff will be permanently based on-site, and will offer a number of therapies.

The new roles will include social care staff, qualified teachers, behaviour analysts, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, learning mentors, and subject specialists.

Dr Katy Lee, principal at Abbey School, said: “Our highly-trained trans-disciplinary team is our most valuable resource in ensuring that pupils reach their best possible outcomes.

"Ensuring that we have the best team in place to nurture and develop the potential of every student and deliver an outstanding educational experience, is key to our vision.

“Supporting our pupils, their families, and our community, we are working hard to deliver an agenda that is socially significant and relevant and we’re delighted to be opening out these hugely rewarding career opportunities.

"These roles offer the chance to positively impact young peoples' lives and enrich their educational experience within a best practice setting, where well-being of students and staff is a key priority.

“Our school model includes a comprehensive in-house training programme for staff, designed in strategic partnership with leading researchers, plus external training and postgraduate study opportunities and offers the potential to progress and develop a career within a highly innovative educational environment which will set an exemplar standard.”

The Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Dr Tim Stratford said: “Chester Cathedral is delighted with all that this development promises and we are pleased to welcome the Abbey School for Exceptional Children here.

"This school is a benefit to families across the city and county and I am sure it will enrich our society through the children who gain a place.”

Unlike any other specialist school in the UK, Abbey School also offers funding solutions to placing local authorities, which can finance the school fees for all pupils attending the school.

The school is investing over £1 million in research, development, evaluation, and training - working closely with the leading universities to introduce innovative approaches that give young people an outstanding educational experience which enables them to thrive.

For more information, visit www.abbeyschool.com.