The proposals would see new classrooms built at Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy in Swanley, and at Broomhill Bank School - which has sites in Tunbridge Wells and Hextable - so both can permanently cater for more pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The expansions are part of KCC’s commitment to improve SEND provision across Kent and will help to address the growing demand for specialist places in the North Kent area which is expected to rise over the coming years.
Under the proposals for Parkwood Hall, the school’s capacity would increase from 120 to 192 places across a wider age range. Currently the school caters for pupils aged eight to 19, but the expansion would see this change so it can take pupils from the age of four.
This is expected to cost around £3 million which would pay for of four classrooms, upgrades to outdoor areas, and modifications to the main school building ensuring better access to specialist education locally.
At Broomhill Bank, the plan is to formally increase the school’s designated number from 318 to 490. This project is estimated to cost around £5.5 million which would pay for upgrades to the school’s existing buildings across both sites, as well as two new teaching blocks in Hextable.
While the exact costs are yet to be confirmed, both projects will be funded from the CYPE High Needs Capital Budget, which is supported by a ring-fenced Department for Education (DfE) grant.
Without these extra spaces, the latest Kent Commissioning Plan predicts KCC will find it difficult to provide enough state-funded Special School places in North Kent in the long term.
In the meantime, KCC will also continue to push the DfE for an update on the new 250-place special school in Swanley, and a 120-space special school in Whitstable, which were originally scheduled to open in 2026 but have faced significant delays.
“Expanding Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy, and Broomhill Bank School will make a real difference for families in North Kent”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: "We know how important it is for children with SEND to have access to the right support close to home.
“Expanding Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy, and Broomhill Bank School will make a real difference for families in North Kent, helping us meet the growing demand for specialist provision now rather than years down the line.
“As we move forward with these plans, I will continue to press the government for answers about the two new special schools in Swanley and Whitstable which are needed to help to relieve pressure on existing SEND provisions and help us ensure all children have access to the high-quality education they deserve.”
