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The Aquinas Centre

The Aquinas Centre, a new SEN Unit, is due to open at SJB in September 2025 with its first intake of three, Year 7 students.

The Aquinas Centre is a SEN Unit for students who have an EHCP with a primary diagnosis of autism. Students placed within the Aquinas Centre will spend the majority of their time in mainstream lessons whilst also receiving specialist support from trained staff. They will also have access to some small group learning and therapy sessions, as well as a calm setting to which they can retreat. Aquinas Centre will have the academic potential to achieve at least five GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.

From September 2026 Surrey SEN will offers places to six students with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a primary diagnosis of autism and who are suitable for a unit placement within a mainstream secondary school. Places in the Aquinas Centre are allocated by Surrey LA after consideration by a multi-professional team and in consultation with the school. Places in the Aquinas Centre are limited and will only be considered through SEN case workers or educational psychologists in conjunction with families.

Please note: St John the Baptist School is not the Admissions Authority for places in the Aquinas Centre.  For all details, information and advice on the admissions process please visit the Surrey County Council website:

Surrey SEND Information for ParentsSurrey SEND Admissions.

We strongly advise any parents of a child with an EHCP considering SEN Unit provision at the secondary phase to talk to their SEN case worker, and to come and meet with the SENCO at SJB to discuss their child’s individual needs and whether they can be met within the Aquinas Centre.

To arrange a meeting with our SENCO about the Aquinas Centre, please get in touch via email.