NewsOld Park School
Dudley Academies Trust is delighted to announce that Old Park School, a specialist school for pupils aged 4-19 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, officially joined the Trust on 1 September 2026. This marks an important milestone for both organisations and reflects a shared commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities and support for children and young people across the Dudley borough.
Located in Brierley Hill, Old Park School has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality specialist provision for pupils with a diverse range of needs, including visual and hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, physical disabilities, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. The school currently serves 153 pupils from across the region.
The decision to join Dudley Academies Trust follows extensive due diligence and collaboration between school leaders, governors, the local authority and Trust representatives. The move will enable Old Park School to benefit from the Trust’s expertise, shared services, professional development opportunities and strong commitment to inclusive education, whilst maintaining its distinctive ethos and specialist provision.
The expansion also represents a significant step in strengthening specialist and inclusive education across the Trust, further enhancing opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of best practice among schools and leadership teams.
Sarah Hooton, Headteacher of Old Park School, said:
“Joining Dudley Academies Trust marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Old Park School. Our pupils, families and staff are at the heart of everything we do, and we are confident that becoming part of the Trust will provide even greater opportunities to enhance our specialist provision and further improve outcomes for our young people. We look forward to working closely with colleagues across the Trust while continuing to celebrate the unique strengths and identity of our school.”
Jo Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Dudley Academies Trust, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Old Park School into the Dudley Academies Trust family. The school has an outstanding reputation for supporting children and young people with complex needs and shares our unwavering commitment to inclusion, aspiration and excellence. Together, we will continue to build upon the school’s strengths, ensuring that every learner receives the very best education, care and opportunities to thrive.”
The addition of Old Park School reinforces Dudley Academies Trust’s vision of providing high-quality education and support for all learners, while creating strong partnerships that benefit pupils, staff and communities across the region.
