Completion of Harry Watts Academy

Earlier this month, the handover of the Harry Watts Academy in Sunderland to the Clients, Sunderland City Council and Propser Learning Trust took place. The Academy will eventually accommodate up to 96 pupils who have Autism. From the New Year the school will have 40 pupils on roll and they will transition to the new site after February half term.

Harry Watts Academy opened in September 2020 at the former Harraton Primary School in Washington. This temporary provision has been utilised while work was being completed on the new build at Hylton Redhouse, Sunderland.

Kier are proud to deliver a school which serves the city of Sunderland and neighbouring areas. Working together with the stakeholders and partners we have created a school which is recognised as a centre of excellence both regionally and nationally.

Derek Cogle, Head Teacher, Harry Watts Academy said, “Having opened our school in September with such fantastic children and an amazing staff, I am extremely excited to get closer to opening our incredible new building and developing Harry Watts Academy into an outstanding provision for pupils with ASD, in order to create the best possible opportunities and outcomes for them and their families. This has been a long process and has involved the dedication and vision of a great number of people, to whom I am forever grateful. We look forward to creating some enriching memories.”