News

​Final phase of £20m expansion at The Beacon School, Walmer completed

The final phase of our £20 million expansion project at The Beacon School in Walmer has now been completed, ready for the start of the new academic year. Working closely with Kent County Council (KCC) and school leaders, we have delivered high-quality, modern facilities that provide vital additional SEND provision for children and young people in the Dover and Deal district.

Up to 80 pupils are already attending the new site on Salisbury Road, which will eventually accommodate up to 240 pupils. Purpose-built for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, the school includes dedicated therapy spaces, breakout areas, a large dining hall, a modern sports hall and gym, and a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).

This marks the completion of phases two and three of the project. The first phase, also delivered by us, saw the refurbishment of the Compass Centre, which welcomed infant pupils back in April 2021.

Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:

“The opening of The Beacon School’s new site is an important milestone in our ongoing work to ensure that all children and young people in Kent, have access to the right support and facilities close to home.

We are committed to increasing SEND provision across the county for children with the most complex needs. We would like to thank all those involved in the successful delivery of the project, including WW Martin and The Beacon School leadership team for their continued support and passion throughout.”

Ady Young, Head Teacher at The Beacon School, added:

“It has been an absolute privilege to work in collaboration with Kent County Council (KCC) to increase the much-needed provision for children and young people with SEND in the Dover and Deal district.

The shared vision and determination to get this over the line is testament to the partnership of The Beacon, KCC and WW Martin working together to create such a valuable school resource. We have already been welcomed into the community during our initial opening phases and are committed to making an even greater impact as the school opens more fully.”

Peter Clelford, Senior Site Manager for WW Martin, commented:

“It has been a real pleasure to work on this project and see the transformation of the site into a high-quality learning environment for the children and staff.

From the outset, there was a strong partnership between us, KCC and the school team. This has been key in helping us deliver a complex and highly specialised build ahead of programme and ready for the new school year.”