The money will go towards the construction of new purpose-built facilities at Nexus Foundation Special School in Tonbridge. This includes four general classrooms, a specialist science room, calm spaces, hygiene suites, and accessible toilets—all designed to meet the needs of pupils with profound, severe, and complex learning difficulties.
It marks a significant milestone in the council's commitment to improving education provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Ongoing work includes reviewing the special school offer to ensure it is appropriate to meet the needs of the most complex pupils.
It follows a previous decision in July 2024 when KCC commissioned the permanent expansion of the school across two phases of construction while increasing the number of places from 228 pupils to 330.
The first phase, which saw a designated dining area and staff accommodation areas built, is now complete. Phase two will ensure Nexus School can permanently accommodate more pupils and stop relying on temporary conversions of communal spaces.
The expansion will help to address the growing demand for SEND places across Kent as the county has seen a sharp rise in Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The extra capacity at Nexus, which is the only special school of its kind in Tonbridge, is central to meeting this need.
The facilities have been carefully designed in line with Department for Education guidance to ensure the new spaces are not only functional, but tailored to the sensory and physical needs of pupils with SEND.
A planning application has been submitted and if approved, construction is set to start in the new year. It is hoped the new building will open within the 2026 academic year.
“This investment is a milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring every child in Kent has access to high-quality, inclusive education.”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This investment is a milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring every child in Kent has access to high-quality, inclusive education.
“Having visited Nexus School recently, I was able to see firsthand how the expansion will not only provide much-needed places for pupils with profound and complex needs, but also create a learning environment that truly supports their development and wellbeing.
“I am pleased this key decision has been approved and that we can now take a step closer to delivering this project.”
Scott Jarred, Head Teacher at Nexus School, said: "We were delighted to hear the recent announcement from KCC confirming investment in the next phase of building work and expansion at Nexus Foundation Special School in Tonbridge.
“Since opening in 2017, the school has continued to grow, and—reflecting national trends—demand for places remains high as we support children and young people with profound, severe, and complex needs (PSCN).
“Our student population is becoming increasingly complex, and the creation of additional classrooms will provide much-needed learning spaces, both indoors and outdoors, ensuring that pupils can thrive in environments designed to meet their needs.
“We are also deeply grateful to Beverley Fordham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, for visiting Nexus at the start of term to see our work first-hand."
