New special needs school opens in historic Margate building
It will cater for 80 pupils
A new special educational needs (SEN) school has opened in one of Margate’s most historic buildings.
Life Skills Enterprise has launched the 80-pupil site at Northdown House in Margate – a Grade II-listed Georgian property previously used for weddings and events and as the base for another SEN school.
The future of the building had been uncertain after former leaseholder Your Leisure withdrew in 2023, and the Lighthouse School closed suddenly that July, leaving parents dismayed and raising fears the manor could be left to deteriorate.
But, in November 2024, Thanet District Council (TDC), which owns the building, announced it had found a new leaseholder, Life Skills Enterprise.
The organisation later unveiled plans to create a day school for young people with autism, which have now been formally approved.
Two planning applications – one for listed building consent and one for the project – were submitted in July.
Planning documents reveal they had started some internal renovations without permission, and the application was partially retrospective.
Paul Barrett, executive principal of Life Skills Enterprise, said: “We are absolutely delighted to officially open Life Skills Enterprise, a new special school created to meet the growing needs of children and young people with SEND in our community.
“From the outset, our aim has been to create a school where every child is genuinely seen, heard and championed.”
The new school in Northdown House is a partner school of Life Skills Manor, at Ramsgate Road, Sandwich.
Mr Barrett continued: “Our new facilities include the Secret Jungle, which will be further developed with more sensory areas and shelters.
“Other facilities that are essential to our school include the therapy room, outdoor learning areas and classrooms, all purpose-made to support communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs and high-quality learning.
“We have assembled a highly skilled team of teachers, support staff and therapists who share a deep commitment to providing aspirational, nurturing and inclusive education.”
Sitting in the much-loved 23-acre Northdown Park, the school will have up to 80 specialist placements, requiring up to 40 staff.
However, planning documents say that by 2031, the school could host up to 120 students, with staff numbers growing accordingly.
The school says it aims to help provide students with the practical skills needed for independent living and future employment.
As part of the lease agreement, Life Skills Enterprise must undertake renovations to the property, which requires repairs.
The plans include internal redecoration, installation of fire doors and classroom reconfiguration.
TDC planning officers had recommended that councillors back the plans.
“The application would secure the long-term use of Northdown House, ensure the building remains in community use and provide a much-needed educational facility,” their report said.
A small part of the park is set to be closed off to the public as part of the development, with TDC officers writing: “In particular, the insertion of the fencing and gates will limit public footfall in this part of the park.
“However, it is noted that there are footpaths in the vicinity of the site that will still be able to be accessed by the public.”
Northdown House was built in 1850 and was given to the people of Margate, along with the park, in 1937, with covenants.
The manor can only be used for leisure or education, and cannot be redeveloped for housing.
In 1999, it was leased to Your Leisure, which sublet areas to other businesses – including Lighthouse School.
But the building had fallen into disrepair, leading to fears it could be left to crumble.
TDC’s planning committee voted to approve the plans on Wednesday, November 19.