340 more specialist school places created in Cardiff

More than 340 children and young people will benefit from new specialist school places across Cardiff, following the successful implementation of the first phase of Cardiff Council's programme to expand additional learning needs (ALN) provision.

The programme includes expanded facilities for Rhiwbina's Greenhill Special School.

Through refurbishment, new facilities and improvements at 14 schools across the city, an additional 342 specialist places have been created. This includes 196 places in special schools and 146 places in specialist resource bases (SRBs). A further 120 places are planned as the next stages of the programme are delivered.

Backed by an investment of around £40 million, the programme will help to meet growing demand for specialist education provision while supporting Cardiff's commitment to creating an inclusive education system where every learner can thrive.

As part of the first phase, SRBs are being refurbished, improved or expanded at ten schools around the city.

Additional specialist places have also been created through improvements and investment at several of Cardiff's special schools.

Greenhill Special School will benefit from expanded facilities through the use of parts of the former Court School site.

The expansion programme was announced in December 2025.

Demand for specialist provision has grown for a number of reasons, including improved survival rates for children with significant disabilities, increased identification of additional learning needs and a rise in emotional health and wellbeing challenges among children and young people.

Council cabinet member Sarah Merry, said: "We want every child and young person in Cardiff to have access to the support they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.

"The completion of this first phase represents a major investment in inclusive education and will provide hundreds more specialist places for learners across the city."