A special educational needs (SEN) college is set to unveil a new building as part of a £1.8 million project.

The Oaks Specialist College in Cage Green Road, Tonbridge, will be opening The Point next week.

The building was designed and built by sustainable construction firm TG Escapes, and will be used by students aged 18 to 25 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities.

It has five classrooms, including a workshop space with specialist provision for students with physical disabilities, such as a riser kitchen, a track and hoist, and accessible self-care facilities.

The single-storey building also has a media space where students can practice skills like coding and film-making with specialist equipment adapted to their needs.

The Point is part of a £1.8m project to expand the special educational provision at The Oaks.

Plans were approved in early 2025, with work starting in March. They were completed last month.

The bespoke timber-clad building is powered by solar panels and air source heat pumps.

Furnishings were donated to the school by HiBob, via the charity and the UK’s leading free resource for education, Business 2 Schools.

College principal Ros Leach said: “For some of our learners, transitions from school can feel overwhelming, especially if the prospect is to move out of home as well.

“It was great for them to have the opportunity to get to know The Point during construction, so that when it formally opens in mid-November, it already feels like a safe and welcoming place to learn.

“Investing in The Point demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with exemplary education.

‘Investing in The Point demonstrates our commitment to providing our students 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.”

Leader of Tonbridge and Malling borough council Matt Boughton added: “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 expanding, which will help learners from Tonbridge and the surrounding area have high-quality provision within our community.

“The Point is a significant investment in Tonbridge, and this expansion will only help The Oaks do even more great work in the town.”

The college had 109 students on its roll at its last Ofsted inspection, in 2023, when it was rated “outstanding” in all areas.

An opening ceremony will be taking place next Wednesday (November 12).