This festive season, the incredible work of Stockport’s special schools is taking centre stage, as a pupil from Castle Hill School has designed the council Leader’s official Christmas card for 2025.
The artwork, created by Clayton from Castle Hill High School, is a vibrant and imaginative scene of Stockport’s famous Viaduct and captures the spirit of the season. It was submitted for the 'Beautiful Things' exhibition currently being held at the War Memorial Gallery until March 15, 2026.
Inside, the card includes a message from Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, expressing gratitude to Clayton for his contribution and highlighting Castle Hill High School’s outstanding provision for pupils with complex and specific needs.
The card also invites recipients to discover more about the council’s dedicated Christmas webpage, which brings together everything you need to plan your festive season in Stockport.
You will be able to find details of local events, markets, and light displays, plus information on family activities and seasonal services. You can also keep up with our Christmas campaign on our social media channels for updates and festive highlights.
The card also reflects the exceptional opportunities available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the borough.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This year’s Christmas card is a real testament to the talent and creativity nurtured in our SEND schools and also after meeting Clayton in person, it was a real honour to talk to this remarkable teenager about his design.
“Stockport is proud to have such amazing schools that provide exceptional opportunities for children and young adults.
“We are equally proud of our continued investment in new schools and expanded places as we strive to ensure every child has access to high-quality education. Our commitment to SEND being everyone’s business remains at the heart of what we do.
“I want to wish everyone in Stockport a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.”
Clayton said: “I see the Viaduct when I go out in Stockport so I wanted to draw it.
“When I found out my drawing was going to be on the Christmas card I felt famous.”
Since 2020, Stockport Council has created more than 600 new SEND school places, demonstrating its commitment to high-quality education and reducing reliance on costly out-of-borough placements.
These developments include Pear Tree School in Cheadle Hulme, which opened in September 2024 with capacity for 133 secondary-aged pupils, and Lisburne School, which opened in December 2024, offering 208 places for children aged 4–11 with complex needs such as autism, severe and profound learning difficulties, and physical disabilities.
These investments ensure that Stockport’s children can access the support they need closer to home, reducing travel times and strengthening community connections.
This year’s Christmas card is another reminder of the creativity and potential of Stockport’s young people and of the borough’s continued commitment to deliver the very best for every child.