New SEND school to open next to nightclub in Leicester city centre.

Indie Education, based in Birmingham, is opening the school.

A firm has been granted permission to convert two floors of a Victorian mill adjacent to a Leicester nightclub into a school for teenagers with exceptional educational needs.

According to council records, the school, for children aged 13 and up, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have around 40 students from within the city council territory and approximately 18 staff members, with the “potential for further growth in line with the capacity of the building”.

Indie Education’s planning application states: “The objective of Indie Education is to address the gaps in current educational provision for young people with additional needs or those in alternative provision throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.”

“The curriculum is designed to be broad, balanced, and inspiring, focussing on empowering learners with the skills necessary for long-term success and independence through life.” The two levels will have “modern open plan learning zones” as well as “mental health and well-being support” rooms.

The application, granted by city council planning officers, adds:

“The collaboration with local employers and further education providers would also enhance the students’ employability and provide real-world learning experiences.” The city council officers’ report summarising the proposal states:

“This application pertains to the ground floor and basement of a converted Victorian mill offering office space across three levels, as well as a car parking lot that now accommodates six places.

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