Public consultation – New resource base
The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) has been invited by the North Somerset Council to build and operate a new resource base for children with autism in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. The new facility would be built at – and managed by – Hans Price Academy, in Marchfield Way.
Information about CLF
The CLF is a mature multi-academy trust with a strategic focus and a proven track record of addressing disadvantage. With 35 academies and a long-held mission to ‘consistently deliver excellent educational experiences for pupils aged 2-19, improving their life chances and serving the communities of which we are a member’, the CLF serves around 18,000 children between Gloucestershire and Somerset. Seven of those schools are in North Somerset.
There is a DfE requirement to consult with local stakeholders when proposing to open a resource base and we are keen to hear your thoughts on this. Please review the information below about the proposed resource base and provide your feedback in the consultation questionnaire provided. The consultation period ends on Tuesday 3rd June 2026.
We are really excited to have been selected by North Somerset Council to host the new resource base at Hans Price Academy. The facility is much-needed to address the area’s acute and growing demand for specialist school places, and the selection of Hans Price represents an endorsement of its success.
The new resource base would be built within Hans Price’s existing footprint, and replace a disused changing room block adjacent to sports pitches. Work is likely to begin in summer 2025, and the ambition is for the resource base to open in September 2026 with an initial intake of 10 students, and grow towards its full capacity of 25 students with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) formally recognising their individual school needs.
Students will learn primarily in their own space separate to the main school, but will enjoy opportunities to integrate during both curriculum learning and extra-curricular activities as they work towards a mainstream return.
Once open, the resource base will operate under the Hans Price Academy leadership, and be closely supported by teams throughout the CLF – including other schools which already house similar resource bases.
Admissions to the resource base will be managed by North Somerset Council, which is looking to address the acute shortage of specialist school places in the area for students with autism or emotion-based school avoidance.
The ambition is for the resource base to work alongside families to help children to reach their full potential and make a valuable contribution to society as positive citizens.
We are keen to hear your feedback and invite you to complete the Consultation Questionnaire or contact us via [email protected] if you have any questions.
