New SEND classroom approved for college

Chris CaulfieldLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageGoogle The entrance to Reigate CollegeGoogle
Planning permission has been granted for a new SEND classroom at Reigate College

A new specialist classroom to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be built at Reigate College.

The development, which replaces the tennis courts on the site, would help meet a sharp rise in demand for tailored provision, the college in Surrey said.

SEND student numbers at the college have grown from 43 in 2022-23 to 70 in 2025-26 and expected to increase further next year.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council members backed the scheme, with councillor Michael Blacker saying: "I think the school has done a good job with the planning."

Reigate College said the existing facilities were no longer adequate and the new space would better support students with complex learning needs without increasing overall pupil numbers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The application was approved by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's planning committee on 3 June.

College leaders have not yet confirmed when construction will begin or when the new facility is expected to open.

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