New specialist learning facility opens at The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge.

A new state-of-the-art learning facility designed to support young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has opened today at The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge.

Named The Point, the new building will serve learners aged 19 to 25 and includes four adaptable working spaces equipped with specialist features such as a riser kitchen, track and hoist, and accessible self-care facilities.

It also has a media space for digital skills development. These features ensure that learners with physical disabilities can access high-quality education tailored to their needs.

A new state-of-the-art learning facility designed to support young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has opened today at The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge.

Named The Point, the new building will serve learners aged 19 to 25 and includes four adaptable working spaces equipped with specialist features such as a riser kitchen, track and hoist, and accessible self-care facilities.

It also has a media space for digital skills development. These features ensure that learners with physical disabilities can access high-quality education tailored to their needs.

Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The opening of The Point marks a significant step forward for young people with SEND in Kent. This new provision will not only offer high-quality, tailored learning in a modern and inclusive environment, but also allow more learners to access the support they need closer to home.

“Importantly, the introduction of features like hoists and accessible self-care facilities means that learners with physical disabilities now have access to learning spaces and equipment that were previously unavailable. This is about more than just education - it’s about independence, dignity, and opportunity. We’re proud to support projects like this that make a real difference in young people’s lives.”

Ros Leach, College Principal at The Oaks, said: “For some of our learners, transitions from school can feel overwhelming, especially if the prospect is to move out of home. It was great for them to have the opportunity to get to know The Point during construction, so that when it opened, it already felt like a safe and welcoming place to learn.

“Investing in The Point demonstrates our commitment to providing our learners with exemplary education. It also gives us extra capacity at The Oaks, meaning that young people who require additional specialist provision can remain rooted in their local community while attending a school that meets their needs, enabling them to maintain family contacts and positive relationships as well as learning vital independent and employability skills.”

Designed and built by sustainable construction firm TG Escapes, the centre was completed in just six months to minimise disruption to learning. TG Escapes was selected for their expertise in sustainable design, which promotes wellbeing by connecting people with nature. The building features timber cladding, floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and covered outdoor areas, all contributing to a calming and inclusive learning environment. It is powered by renewable energy technology designed to reduce carbon emissions and save up to £6,000 annually in running costs. Furnishings were generously donated by HiBob through the Business 2 Schools charity.

Karl Stokes, Managing Director at TG Escapes, said: "Seeing students enjoying the new space and making it their own is incredibly rewarding, and exactly what we hoped for when we first started designing it. It's one thing to design for wellbeing and the environment on paper, but it's another to bring it all to life and make a real difference for the college community at The Oaks.

“Early feedback we've had from staff highlights how our eco building credentials have really stood out - they not only reflect The Oaks' own commitment to sustainability, but also provide more opportunities to educate their learners about climate change, green careers, and what best practice in sustainable construction looks like.

“To see the finished building full of life is fantastic. The Point shows what can be achieved when sustainability and wellbeing are put at the heart of educational design - it sets a benchmark for future SEND buildings, showing that spaces can be both practical and deeply supportive of wellbeing."
Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “The Oaks is a wonderful environment for SEND learners, which we are lucky to have in Tonbridge. Since 2018, they have made a huge difference to the lives of everyone who has studied there. I am delighted that this provision is open and will help learners from Tonbridge and the surrounding area have high-quality provision within our community.”

Source & picture credit: Kent County Council