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I am proud and privileged to lead such a unique and innovative school which is destination-focused. This is a school where students’ special interests, social and communication skills, abilities, academic and life skills are mapped and further developed so destinations can be identified and targeted for each individual.
Best wishes
Emma Sullivan - Interim Executive Principal
To read the full message, please click on the link below
Interim Executive Principal's message in full
100% of Lighthouse graduates have progressed to their next steps, including:
* Further Education at the University of Leeds and Sheffield, * Henshaws specialist college, * Supported internerships at Lighthouse Futures Trust, * Work including HMRC, John Lewis, hospitality and working abroad.
No students graduated from Lighthouse School, Leeds NEET.
Following a staff survey in July 2025, 100% of staff said:
*They are proud to work at Lighthouse School, Leeds, * School is aspirational for all students, *Feel the school promotes equality of opportunity and the school values, and that staff felt supported working at Lighthouse School, Leeds.
Lighthouse School, Leeds is part of Lighthouse Education Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 07591868.
The registered office is Arthington House, Hospital Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, England, LS16 6QB
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We wish all of our graduates well for their next steps - make sure you stay in touch! 16 Likes
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. 53 Likes
Our college group rounded off their 10-week course at Leeds City College with two exciting visits exploring careers in the hospitality industry.
Students enjoyed a hands-on experience at Hickory’s Smokehouse, where they worked alongside the restaurant team to make milkshakes and smoothies before relaxing with pastries and a film in the cinema room.
They also visited the Hilton Hotel, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how a large hotel operates. From touring the kitchen and conference facilities to learning about a variety of hospitality roles, students gained valuable insight into career pathways in the industry.
What a wonderful way to celebrate the end of a successful year. 23 Likes
Over the past few weeks, the students have been exploring different art techniques, including painting, printing, and even designing and making their very own T-shirts.
For some students, the experience has encouraged them to start thinking about their future and what life after school might look like. Spending time on a college campus, getting to know the environment, and meeting new people has helped them see college as a realistic and exciting next step. For some, it's an option they are now actively considering as they begin to think about their future pathways.
We're so proud of everything they've achieved. Well done, College Crew! 12 Likes
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