The Department for Education has announced that MacIntyre Academies has been chosen to run a new autism school in Malvern.

The Secretary of State for Education has written to confirm that the application from MacIntyre Academies to establish Enterprise Academy should proceed to the next stage of the free school’s process – the ‘pre-opening phase’.

Working closely with Worcestershire Children First and Worcestershire County Council, Enterprise Academy will offer specialist education for 120 pupils aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Neil Macmillan, chair of MacIntyre Academies, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to run the Enterprise Academy.

“We are committed to providing high-quality education, tailored to the unique needs of every pupil, creating an environment where all young people have confidence and belief in their potential and be ready for adult life.

“We look forward to collaborating with Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Children First, families, and the wider community to create a school where pupils can thrive.”

Mel Barnett, director for all-age disability (0-25) at Worcestershire Children First, added: “Today’s announcement is a significant step towards the opening of the new autism school.

“We look forward to working with MacIntyre Academies and continue to work with the Department for Education to finalise the school site and help meet the need for additional, specialist, high quality places in Worcestershire.”

The school is earmarked for the Poolbrook site in Malvern and is expected to open in September 2027.