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.
The new building includes four adaptable working spaces equipped with specialist features such as a riser kitchen, track and hoist, and accessible self-care facilities. Picture: TG Escapes
The development marks a significant milestone in Kent County Council’s (KCC) plans to expand local SEND provision. Built with more than £1.8 million of funding from KCC’s Children Young People and Education Services High Needs Capital Budget, The Point has created 10 more SEND places enabling more young people to receive the support they need in their community instead of accessing education outside of the county. Originally, just over £2 million was set aside for the project, but it has come in under budget.
Already The Point is making a huge difference to the lives of young people in Kent, including 19-year-old Lilly. Her placement at The Oaks means she no longer has to travel long distances to go to college and can spend more time with her family.
Mum Louise, with daughter Lilly, outside The Point
Her mum Louise has described this a “dream come true”. She said: "Before it would take Lilly two hours to travel to school in the morning, and two hours coming home. It was quite stressful so now for her to have a place five minutes down the road is a dream.
"There needs to be more colleges and more opportunities for these young people because the second chapter isn't as bleak as what I thought it would be. The whole transition has been amazing. It is so important because Lilly needs to belong somewhere, and she belongs here."
“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.”
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.”
Gordon Tillman and Ros Leach from The Oaks with KCC's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, Director of Education, Christine McInnes, Assistant Director of Education, Nicholas Abrahams, and Assistant Director of SEN Statutory Services, Alice Gleave
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.
Learners joined TG Escapes on site during the construction to see the progress of the build. Picture: TG Escapes
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.
The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge. Picture: TG Escapes
“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."
