The free school, which will be operated by Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, will provide specialist support for children at a time of growing demand.
Middlesbrough Council originally secured funding for a new primary school, but amended its proposal following a review of local need.
Horizons currently oversees several schools around Teesside, including Hollis Academy in Middlesbrough.
Cllr Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education at Middlesbrough Council, said the new secondary school places would be significant for families across the town.
“There is a strong need for this specialist provision and I hope the new school will give parents and carers confidence that their concerns have been listened to and acknowledged,” Cllr Storey said.
“We want to provide the best settings for our children and young people and respond to areas of need whenever we can.
“The new school will provide a positive and motivating environment where students can be successful and develop with the support of inspirational teachers. Alongside this the school will provide a range of outreach support to further enhance inclusion within mainstream settings.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Horizons and the DfE as the plans progress.”
Rebecca Whelan, chief executive of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, said: “This free school represents a significant investment in Middlesbrough’s future.
“Guided by our aim to do more and to do it better, and by our values of care, dignity, aspiration and partnership, we remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional, inclusive and aspirational school that will serve the community for generations to come.”
Elsewhere in Middlesbrough, the Council is working alongside the DfE and Outwood Grange Academies Trust on a new secondary school in Middlehaven.
Building work on Outwood Academy Riverside started last year with students expected to move to their new home in 2027.
