A SCHOOL for pupils with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) could be built in Blackburn.

Eden BESD School would be built next to The Heights Free School, which opened in Heys Lane last year, if planning consent is approved.

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The school would cater for up to 60 pupils from Key Stage Two to Key Stage Four, with children aged between seven and 16.

In documents submitted with the proposal, a spokesman for K2 Architects said: “The Heights Free School opened in September 2013 and provides alternative education for young people at risk of not reaching their potential.

“It works in close partnership with local schools, the local authority and external agencies to deliver highly personalised learning programmes with a strong focus on developing academic achievement through qualifications, vocational skills and personal and social development.

“By strategically locating Eden School adjacent to The Heights Free School, SEN provision within the Blackburn with Darwen area will be greatly improved.

“It will allow provision for specialist BESD education for pupils who would currently otherwise be educated outside the borough.”

The spokesman added that the idea behind the school was to help youngsters turn their lives around.

It said: “Eden School’s aim is to offer a turning point for the most vulnerable young people in the community, by providing intensive support that develops ability and inspires belief in the potential of education.

“The school is supported by the Education Improve-ment Partnership (a limited company dedicated to improving the outcomes for young people through schools within the borough) and the Local Authority.

“The vision for Eden school and The Heights Free School is that they will stand together to form a campus approach to alternative specialist provision with resources and provision being shared between the two schools.”