THE former Cliffey House special school at The Rhydd, near Hanley Castle, will reopen as a private college after being sold for more than £2 million.
Options Group, a specialist young people's care and education provider, has bought it from Worcestershire County Council.
It will become an Adolescent to Adult Learning Preparation College (AALPS), for young people aged 17 to 25 with autistic spectrum disorder.
The focus will be on helping young people to develop life skills. Facilities at the 30-acre site will include a rare breeds small animal centre, horticulture and an adventure activity park.
The first phase will open in November, with the main college opening in May next year after extensive refurbishment to the main building.
Service head Alex Niven will be based at the college and will be recruiting staff from the local area.
Worcestershire County Council closed Cliffey House School in August 2004.
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