Midcheshire Independent Issue 196

13 SEPTEMBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent EDUCATION www.kingsmac.co.uk | 01625 260000 The King’s School in Macclesfield Charity No. 1137204 • A Top 10 School in the NorthWest for academic results • One of the UK’s Top Sports Schools • Outstanding wellbeing programme • Small classes and year groups • Unrivalled enrichment & co-curricular programme • Award-winning outdoor learning programme • Large network of school coaches BOOK ONLINE: www.kingsmac.co.uk Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 30 September | 6.30 pm Open Day Saturday 10 October | 9 am – 2 pm THE founder of an independ- ent school for children with special educational needs has unveiled plans to expand her business with a new college in Crewe for 16-25-year-olds. Kirsty Woolridge estab- lished Wonder Star School last September at the Young People’s Community Centre in Rode Heath, Alsager, with 14 pupils aged five to 11. After a successful inau- gural year, pupil numbers will rise to 20 when the new term begins. Kirsty said the school’s suc- cess highlights the increasing need for specialist placements from local authorities, along- side growing interest from families seeking smaller, per- sonalised SENDprovision. NowKirsty is aiming toopen the Wonder Star Futures col- lege in January 2027, initially offering 30 places. She said: “There is a clear need for high-quality spe- cialist post-16 provision, helping young people with SEND make the transition between school and adult- hood while remaining close to their local communities. “We are currently finalising arrangements for the new college and are excited to be embarking on the next chap- ter for the business.” This expansion of Wonderstar Learning, which operates Wonder Star School, follows Kirsty’s acquisition of the remaining shares in the business, making her the sole owner and director. She previously held 50 per cent of the shares in the business and acquired the remaining 50 per cent for an undisclosed sum. Kirsty, who lives in Leek, worked as a teacher, teach- ing assistant and special educational needs coordinator before deciding to set up her own school. Wonder Star School has 11 staff and caters mainly for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism. TWO schools in Stock- port have been granted planning approval to be rebuilt, replacing old buildings and supported by the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. New buildings and sub- sequent demolition of older structures has been given the green light by Stockport Council for both Bramhall High School and Moorfield Primary School, Hazel Grove. Contractor, Wilmott Dixon, will build a new three-storey school building for Bramhall High School following the recent discovery of Rein- forced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). While existing buildings have largely been made safe for students following reme- dial works, some facilities have not reopened, and the community use of facilities has ceased. Work now is expected to begin in January 2027 to construct the new building to the east of existing buildings, which will remain in use for students while construction is carried out. The new school building will include attached sports facilities, and increase the number of classrooms for the school’s SEN provision. Once the new building has been completed, expected for 2028, the old buildings will be demolished, with only the 2000s Maths block remaining Specialist school plans new college How the new Bramhall High School is expected to look Rebuild approved for two Stockport schools in use, and a new car park and games area delivered to occupy this part of the school site. Moorfield Primary School in Hazel Grove has also been granted approval for a com- plete rebuild by contractor Tilbury Douglas. Proposals for the site include a ‘back- wards C’ shaped building that will consolidate facilities into a single building, as well as two games areas. In this case, the rebuild will see the school retain its existing capacity for around 420 pupils and 28 SEN learners. To advertise in the Independent, contact Robin Atkins on 07767 840274