We are proposing to open a 168-place satellite of The Beacon Folkestone at Walmer Science College, formally a mainstream secondary school which was vacated in August 2018. We plan to refurbish the buildings in phases, with the aim that the initial provision is open in September 2020.
Initial, high level feasibilities have shown that the site and present facilities at former Walmer Science College could be swiftly reinstated to provide the facilities needed for the satellite of The Beacon Folkestone. In particular, the buildings would be more suited to pupils with ASD and a combination of SLD/MLD.
We are planning to deliver the satellite in phases. Phase one would see complete refurbishment of the Compass Centre, to provide an Early Years and Key Stage One block with outdoor play space, and further enabling works such as: a drop off and pick up area, car parking for staff, visitors and taxis/minibuses and the removal of the ROSLA building. The addition of the enabling works at this point will increase the capital outlay required during the first phase, reducing it in further phases.