Councillor Trevor Cave, Cabinet spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “Sheffield City Council and Barnsley Council are working together on a joint application to the Department for Education to build a new 200-place special free school. The school will provide places for primary and secondary-aged pupils with autism and communication and interaction needs.

“This opportunity for the development of a special free school will provide a longer-term sustainable option for both authorities that is further supported by the developments of hubs and resource provisions with existing schools.

“We will know the outcome of the application in early 2023.”