BCP Council is proposing to double the specialist school places available for sixth form students at a school in Poole.
The proposal is to provide more specialist places at Linwood School’s Skills Centre on Ashley Road in Poole.
The skills centre is for young people aged 16 to 19 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
In November 2025, the skills centre opened and it was reported that it cost £1.55million and is projected to save between £1.14 million and £1.5 million annually by reducing reliance on out-of-area placements.
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Currently the centre offers 30 places, but the council’s plans would see another 30 places made available.
The proposed increase is due to the rise in the number of children with EHCPs who require specialist provision, local figures show this number is growing by around 11 per cent every year.
The additional places at Linwood Skills Centre enables more young people to access post-16 education within their communities and reduces transport costs.
If approved, the extra places will be introduced gradually from September 2026, with 60 Post‑16 places in total.
Students at the Skills Centre will follow a programme that helps them grow and prepare for adulthood.
The Skills Centre helps students to improve their social communication, daily living and physical skills, to building self-esteem and confidence, to learning how to make choices and speak up for themselves.
It also allows students to take part in leisure activities, supports them to access health and wellbeing facilities, and developing independence.
The centre has specialist classrooms and a fully equipped skills flat which includes a bathroom, kitchen, and living space, provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn essential life skills.
These include budgeting for weekly shopping, cooking, managing laundry and cleaning, and practicing self-care and hygiene.
If required, additional qualified SEN teachers and teaching assistants will be appointed to meet the needs of students.
Residents can submit comments, support or objections to the proposal by completing the online for on the council have your say page, emailing sendsufficiency@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, or by post to Linwood School Post-16 Consultation, Education and Skills, BCP Council, Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 6EB.
The consultation ends at midday on Monday, June 15, 2026, a decision on the proposal is expected by cabinet on July 22.
