The founder of an Alsager independent school for children with special educational needs has unveiled plans to expand her business with a new college in Crewe for 16-25-year-olds.

Kirsty Woolridge established Wonder Star School last September at the Young People's Community Centre in Rode Heath, with 14 pupils aged five to 11.

After a successful inaugural year, pupil numbers will rise to 20 when the new term begins next month.

Kirsty said the school's success highlights the increasing need for specialist placements from local authorities, alongside growing interest from families seeking smaller, personalised SEND provision.

Now Kirsty is aiming to open the Wonder Star Futures college in January 2027 at Apollo Education Campus, Crewe Green Road, initially offering 30 places.

Kirsty told Nub News: "There is a clear need for high-quality specialist post-16 provision, helping young people with SEND make the transition between school and adulthood while remaining close to their local communities.

"We are currently finalising arrangements for the new college and are excited to be embarking on the next chapter for the business."

This expansion of Wonderstar Learning, which operates Wonder Star School, follows Kirsty's acquisition of the remaining shares in the business, making her the sole owner and director.

She previously held 50 per cent of the shares in the business and acquired the remaining 50 per cent for an undisclosed sum.

Kirsty was advised on the transaction by Jen Goodwin, head of corporate at Staffordshire law firm Myers & Co.

Jen said: "Kirsty has built an impressive education business in a relatively short space of time, and it's been rewarding to support her through this important stage of its development.

"Acquiring the remaining shares has given Kirsty full ownership and control of the company, providing a strong platform for continued development as she looks to expand the specialist provision available to young people whose educational needs cannot be met in mainstream settings."

Kirsty, who lives in Leek, worked as a teacher, teaching assistant and special educational needs coordinator before deciding to set up her own school.

Wonder Star School has 11 staff and caters mainly for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and autism.

The school was praised by Ofsted following an inspection in May.

The inspectors described it as 'a small school with a big heart', adding that it has a 'genuine family feel where relationships are positive and nurturing, creating an atmosphere filled with smiles and laughter'.

Pupils are achieving well, and parents and carers recognise the positive impact the school has made in the relatively short time their children have been attending, the inspectors said.

"This warm and supportive environment helps pupils to feel settled, confident and able to achieve their best," they added.

Kirsty said: "Since opening Wonder Star School, our focus has been on creating a nurturing, personalised environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The response from families and the feedback from Ofsted have been extremely encouraging.

"I'm incredibly proud of the dedicated team we have built at Wonder Star School and the positive difference they make to the lives of our pupils every day.

"As more families seek specialist provision, we are continuing to develop our facilities and the opportunities available to pupils and their families across the region.

"Becoming the sole owner of Wonderstar Learning marks an important milestone and enables us to focus fully on delivering our long-term plans.

"I recently stepped back from the role of headteacher to focus on the strategic development of the organisation, and we have appointed Lauren Pierpoint as head of school to lead day-to-day operations at Wonder Star School.

"The launch of Wonder Star Futures will create further opportunities for young people aged 16 to 25 to continue learning, build confidence, develop their skills and prepare for the next stage of their lives."