Welcome to The Oaks Specialist College

The Oaks is a great place to learn, develop and prepare for the next stage of your life.

Welcome to The Oaks Specialist College

"An Outstanding College"

The Oaks Specialist College is a Not for Profit organisation established in 2018 and is a successful provision for 18 to 25 year olds with learning difficulties in Kent and the surrounding area.

At our 2023 Ofsted Inspection we were awarded OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS – a huge recognition of what we have created for our learners and their life opportunities, and of the continued collaboration and passion of our supporters, staff, trustees and partner communities.

Why are we successful? Well, the best way to find out is to arrange to visit, come and talk with us and see for yourself. You are most welcome, and we encourage you to do so. But, in the meantime, you can read Ofsted’s full report here.

OPPORTUNITY
FOR ALL

EQUITY

DIVERSITY

UNIQUENESS

SELF RESPECT

Awards & Accreditations

The Oaks Specialist College is proud to be a Disability Confident organisation.

 

 

A group of three learners outside the main building at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens

Shortlisted finalist for Teacher Development in Digital Accessibility.

 

A tutor supporting a learner to use his mobile device

The Oaks Specialist College is proud to be a member of the British Association for Supported Employment.

 

Awarded Microsoft Showcase
College 2023-2024 status.

 

 

Photo of a male learner being shown how to access accessibility functions on his phone

Admissions

Admissions to The Oaks are offered on an individual basis and all learners must have a current Education, Health and Care Plan. 

There are no other fixed or overarching admissions criteria; decisions are based upon the Leadership Team’s assessment of the College’s ability to meet individual needs. This is considered alongside the needs of all learners in the college, and the likelihood of the young person making educational progress.

However, if you have achieved Grade 3, or above, at GCSE level in either Maths or English Language, The Oaks will not be able to offer a study programme.

A male learner, looking towards a presentation board that he has made, showcasing his skills, interests and experiences
One female and one male learner, sat at a desk wearing aprons and hair nets. They are working on an arts and crafts project with colourful materials and a host of tools, including a mobile device

Safeguarding

Our top priority at The Oaks is the safeguarding of our young people. 

A male learner looking up from his screen while a staff member looks at him, smiling

Community

Community means everything to us at The Oaks. 

Download our Prospectus

Our study programmes are tailored to suit each learner’s individual needs. Learners are not restricted by a profile and will access learning across our offer as appropriate.

Download The Oaks 2024 Prospectus
A young female learner proudly showing her certificate for excellence and orange belt in kick-boxing

Learner Stories

Meet our learners and read about their individual journeys and successes.

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Sailing Trip

A number of learners went on a seven-day sailing trip in June.  They set sail from Portsmouth and travelled around the Isle of Wight, helping

Read more...

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A group of learners and a staff member, in a classroom setting, listening intently
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