What is The Point facility in Kent?

The Point is a new learning center that has opened on the site of The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge, Kent, to support young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

How has The Point facility impacted students like Oliver?

The Point has been a "lifeline" for students like Oliver, a 22-year-old with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, who can now access specialized services and support closer to his home in Paddock Wood, rather than having to travel to a facility in Canterbury.

What features does The Point facility offer?

The five-classroom facility includes a sensory room, a workshop space for students with physical disabilities, and a media space to practice skills like coding and film-making, providing a tailored and inclusive learning environment for SEND students.

Home / Education / Kent's New Facility Offers Lifeline for Youth with Complex Needs

Kent's New Facility Offers Lifeline for Youth with Complex Needs

13 Nov

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Summary

New £1.8M learning center opens in Kent to support SEND students
Facility creates 10 more SEND places, allowing more learners access to support
Expansion proves crucial for students like Oliver, who can now access specialized services closer to home

Kent's New Facility Offers Lifeline for Youth with Complex Needs

On November 13, 2025, a new facility designed to support young people in Kent with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) officially opened its doors. The Point, a learning center located on the site of The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge, has created 10 more SEND places in the county.

This £1.8 million project was funded by Kent County Council (KCC), which said the new facility would result in significant cost savings compared to out-of-county placements. Councillor Beverley Fordham, the cabinet member for education and skills, described The Point as "a significant step forward" for young people with SEND in Kent, as it offers high-quality, tailored learning in a modern and inclusive environment.