Woking Opens £3.6m SEND Centre for Local Families
Major Investment Comes to St John the Baptist School
Woking families now have access to a brand-new specialist facility designed specifically for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The Aquinas Centre, delivered through Surrey County Council’s Inclusion and Additional Needs Partnership Strategy, represents a £3.6m investment in local education infrastructure at St John the Baptist School—a landmark that has long served our community with dedication.
This isn’t just about adding another building to the Woking skyline. The centre addresses a genuine gap in provision for young people who need tailored educational support. Starting this September with six Year 7 students, the facility will eventually expand to accommodate 30 specialist places, giving local families much-needed access to appropriate education without requiring long commutes across Surrey to Guildford, Dorking, or beyond.
The building itself has been thoughtfully designed with input from educators and therapists. Inside, you’ll find three specialist classrooms, a teaching kitchen for practical life skills, four dedicated therapy rooms, and outdoor learning areas. These spaces aren’t afterthoughts—they’re purpose-built to support the diverse physical, emotional, and developmental needs of SEND learners.
What Local Families Should Know About The Aquinas Centre
If you have a child with additional needs currently in Woking or the surrounding areas—whether in East Horsley, Horsley, or heading towards Dorking—this facility changes the landscape of local provision. Deputy Head Teacher Anna Dwyer has been clear about the philosophy: this isn’t about segregating students into a separate experience, but creating a genuinely inclusive environment where ambitious education happens alongside their peers.
The teaching kitchen deserves particular mention. For many SEND students, practical life skills are as important as traditional academics. Having this facility on-site means young people can develop independence, cooking confidence, and everyday capabilities right here in Woking rather than through sporadic external programs. The therapy rooms mean specialist support—whether speech and language, occupational therapy, or counselling—happens seamlessly integrated into the school day.
Parents and carers should know that enrolment processes will begin soon. Contact St John the Baptist School directly for information about assessment and placement. The council’s commitment here signals that SEND provision isn’t an afterthought in Surrey’s education planning—it’s a priority that recognises every child deserves access to quality education in their local community.
What Happens Next and How to Get Involved
The Aquinas Centre opens its doors this September, and the local education community will be watching how the first cohort settles in. Parents with students approaching secondary transition should start conversations with their schools now about whether this facility might suit their child’s needs. The initial six-student intake will expand progressively, so timing and capacity will matter for 2025 admissions and beyond.
Beyond education, this project reflects broader community investment in Woking. When councils commit £3.6m to specialist facilities, it signals confidence in local infrastructure and demonstrates that funding follows need. That confidence matters for other community services too—from healthcare provision to leisure facilities.
If you’re interested in supporting SEND education locally, several parent advocacy groups and school governors’ associations welcome involvement. Many community organisations in Woking work alongside schools to enhance provision. You might also keep an eye on Surrey County Council’s future plans for SEND services—this Woking facility is part of a wider strategy, and feedback from families shapes what comes next. Watch the school’s communications channels and the council’s education updates for announcements about transition support sessions and information evenings this spring.
Source: SEND school facility built in Woking under £3.6m council project
