A special needs school in Weston-super-Mare is set to expand so some teenage students can become more independent.
Pupils will be able to stay on at Westhaven up to the age of 19, up from 16 currently, under plans being considered by North Somerset Council.
Executive members are also due to sign off increasing the capacity from 138 to 156 when they meet virtually next week, which could save the authority £550,000 per year.
A report to the meeting says: “There are a small number of pupils (up to five per cohort) who would benefit from further attendance at Westhaven in Years 12 and 13.
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“This will enable these pupils to better prepare themselves for either further education, apprenticeships or employment thereafter.
“An extended time at school for some pupils will give them the opportunity to develop and embed a set of independence and social skills as part of their education journey.”
The move was backed by 97 per cent of those who responded to a consultation.
But Weston College dissented, saying it is a national centre of excellence for special educational needs and disabilities and sufficient post-16 education is already available in North Somerset.
One parent or carer was also concerned about the loss of the life skills classroom to create the new post-16 base.
Westhaven currently caters for students aged four to 16.
A typical student is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may be hyper-sensitive, may suffer from school phobia, have a hearing or sight loss, have moderate learning difficulties or a complex multi-diagnosis, the report says.
The expansion would cost £265,000 but could save £555,000 against sending the 18 pupils to schools outside North Somerset.
