THE search is on to find the first headteacher for Cumbria’s new autism school.

Cumbria Academy for Autism is due to open next September on the site of the former Westlands Hotel, on the outskirts of Workington, with interviews to be held later this month for the position of head.

Plans to build the school between Workington Golf Club and Fairways residential home, close to the Lillyhall industrial estate, were given the go-ahead by Allerdale Borough Council planners in June.

The advert for the position says: “This is a unique opportunity to open and lead a brand new autism school in the beautiful Lake District for children and young people aged four to 19.

“Trustees are looking for an ambitious and aspirational headteacher to lead the pre-opening phase and then establish the school as a centre of excellence for autism learning.

“The aim will be to provide children and young people with autism in Cumbria the opportunity to reach their full potential in life by preparing them for
adulthood, so they may lead
fulfilled, happy and purposeful lives.”

The school will eventually cater for up to 56 children aged from four to 19, with no more than eight pupils to a class.

It is a requirement for free schools to start with a smaller number of pupils and work towards capacity. It is still to be confirmed which year groups Cumbria Academy for Autism will initially teach.

Admissions arrangements are currently being developed with the Local Education Authority and the Department for Education.

The school aims to bridge the gap which exists for young people with autism, between existing mainstream schools and those which cater for children with complex needs.

It will provide an academic, life skills and therapeutic curriculum.

As well as traditional facilities, it is hoped the school will include a life skills flat to teach pupils how to live independently, a cafe-style dining area to teach young people how to order food and handle money, and a studio which will use virtual reality and immersive technology to help them learn to navigate their communities.

The site has been empty since the Westlands Hotel was demolished in 2009. The hotel, which opened in 1972, was once one of the most luxurious hotels in the area.

It closed in December 2005 and was knocked down in 2009.