Special educational needs (SEN) group Witherslack Group is planning to open a school for primary and secondary pupils near Tonbridge in Kent, Kent Live has reported.

The company has applied to refurbish Mountains Country House in Hildenborough set in 28 acres of parkland, the former home of Fosse Bank School until it closed suddenly in March.

The new school will cater for 90 pupils with SEN, aged between eight and 18.

Witherslack Group provides specialist education for children and young people aged from four to 19. It operates 22 specialist SEN schools across the UK, both day and residential.

A spokesperson told Kent Live: “The school is part of Witherslack Group, the leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties (autistic spectrum disorder; Asperger’s Syndrome; speech, language and communication needs), ADHD and complex learning needs. Local authority funded placements will be available and the catchment area is Kent County Council.”