The keys for the new buildings at The Beacon School in Walmer were handed over to staff on Monday 11 August ready for the start of term.
Kent construction company WW Martin have worked with Kent County Council (KCC) and school leaders to deliver the additional buildings in time for the start of the 2025 academic year. Up to 80 pupils now attend the school in Salisbury Road and once at full capacity, the site will have space for up to 240 pupils aged 13 to 16 with a variety of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The new school features dedicated teaching spaces, breakout areas, a large dining hall, a modern sports hall with a gym, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). Picture: WW Martin
The school was built on the site of the former Walmer Science College. The old 1950s building that had been vacant for more than 10 years was demolished to make way for the school. It features dedicated teaching spaces tailored for SEND therapy and support, breakout areas, a large dining hall, a modern sports hall with a gym, as well as a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
The first phase of the project was the refurbishment of the ‘Compass Centre’ which was also undertaken by WW Martin. This enabled the school to offer places at Walmer to infant aged pupils from April 2021. The latest work marks the completion of phases two and three.
The development is part of KCC’s strategic plan to expand and improve SEND provision in Kent and reduce the need for long travel distances for children needing specialist education. It will be run alongside The Beacon School's site in Folkestone.
“The opening of The Beacon School’s new site is an important milestone in our ongoing work to ensure that all children and young people in Kent, have access to the right support and facilities close to home.”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, said:“The opening of The Beacon School’s new site is an important milestone in our ongoing work to ensure that all children and young people in Kent, have access to the right support and facilities close to home.
“We are committed to increasing SEND provision across the county for children with the most complex needs. We are looking to continue this work through mainstream schools and settings, and specialist resource provisions.
“We would like to thank all those involved in the successful delivery of the project, including WW Martin and The Beacon School leadership team for their continued support and passion throughout.”
Kent construction company WW Martin have worked with KCC and school leaders to deliver the additional buildings. Picture: WW Martin
Ady Young, Head Teacher at The Beacon School, added: "It has been an absolute privilege to work in collaboration with KCC to increase the much-needed provision for children and young people with SEND in the Dover and Deal district.
"The shared vision and determination to get this over the line is testament to the partnership of The Beacon, KCC and WW Martin working together to create such a valuable school resource.
"The second phase has opened with up to 80 pupils. We have already been welcomed into the community during our initial opening phases and are committed to making an even greater impact as the school opens more fully."
Peter Clelford, Senior Site Manager for WW Martin, commented:“It has been a real pleasure to work on this project and see the transformation of the site into a high-quality learning environment for the children and staff.
“From the outset, there was a strong partnership between us, KCC and the school team. This has been key in helping us deliver a complex and highly specialised build ahead of programme and ready for the new school year.”
