A SCHOOL for children with autism and learning disabilities will open next year on the former site of a special school in Oxford.

The academy has already received planning permission to set up at the former Ormerod School, in Waynflete Road, Barton, which joined with Woodstock’s Marlborough School in 2005.

It will be run by the MacIntyre charity in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and will take 20 pupils.

A full refurbishment is planned with a new 12-bed residential building set to open in September next year.

A charity spokesman said: “We know that in Oxfordshire there are a significant number of children and young people with autism in out-of-county residential placements.

“Many parents and carers have told us they would prefer their child to be as close to home as possible.

“We also know that the prevalence and diagnosis of autism is increasing. The trustees of MacIntyre – many of whom are family members of people with disabilities – have created the independent MacIntyre Academies Trust and it will be this that will run the new special school academy.”

The council is seeking views online by June 21 at oxforshire.gov.uk or by post to: Diane Cameron, School Organisation & Planning, County Hall, Freepost, Oxfordshire County Council.