A Cornish academy group has submitted a proposal for a new special school which would be split over two sites in Camborne and Bodmin.

Acorn Academy Cornwall has applied to the Department for Education for a new special school for Cornwall, to be called the John Couch Adams Academy, a Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) institution for 60 pupils to open in 2018.

The group said it has written detailed education plans and budgets, explaining why the school is needed by this community and demonstrating that it has local support.

If the application is approved, the next stage will be an interview with the DfE, ahead of a final decision being made.

Rob Gasson chief executive of Acorn Academy Cornwall, said: “The recent special education needs review by Cornwall Council identified the need for a split site special school based in Bodmin and Camborne.

“We believe we are uniquely qualified to deliver this new school and ensure that the educational outcomes for this pupil population are met in Cornwall, within an organisation that already has an outstanding record of delivering education to this incredibly important group.

“We look forward to progressing to the next stage so that we can share our vision with all stakeholders.”

The academy was supported through the application process by national education charity New Schools Network, and interim director Sarah Pearson said: “Acorn Academy Cornwall has worked tirelessly to prepare an application for the Department for Education and we hope they will have the chance to put their plans into action and see their vision of a fantastic new school realised.

“There are now more than 500 free schools open or approved to open across the country and the momentum of the programme continues to increase. These schools are proving popular with parents and are providing good new school places where they are needed.”