A SPECIAL educational needs (SEN) school in Dorset will have to relocate its alternative provision following an unplanned termination of its occupancy at a community farm.
Luccombe Hub, an Ofsted-registered and independent specialist school, has been asked to vacate the Longmead Community Farm premises near Milborne St Andrew by September 26.
This follows what the school described as unsuccessful negotiations of an “unsustainable” new lease.
To ensure there is no disruption for its learners, Luccombe Hub will move its alternative provision temporarily to Dewlish before the September 26 deadline.
Then, from January 2026, Luccombe’s alternative provision will move into a newly converted, purpose-built facility set on a farm in Milborne St Andrew, on a 20-year lease that is designed specifically to meet the complex needs of its SEN learners.
READ MORE: Dorset woman takes centre stage in Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager advert
READ MORE: Plans to expand Dorset village with 78 home plan
The Hub offers tailor-made programs to suit every individual and allows young people to express themselves through a number of practical based activities and qualifications.
“We are deeply saddened by this decision,” said Henri Monier-Williams, principal of Luccombe Hub.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to build a nurturing, safe space for our vulnerable learners. It’s heartbreaking to leave behind a site we helped restore and believed could serve the community for years to come.”
The Hub said the move comes despite two years of investment, renovation, and partnership building, during which time Luccombe Hub staff and local supporters helped rebuild the Longmead site from near financial collapse.
They said that Longmead Community Farm trustees originally approached Luccombe Hub following a two-year closure and asked to partner with them to support their Christian-based charity.
“Before Luccombe Hub’s involvement, the Longmead property was unusable, rat-infested, failing health and safety, electrical, and fire inspections the property had fallen into disrepair,” a spokesperson said.
“Luccombe Hub undertook substantial renovations to bring the premises up to standard and compliant, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all site users.”
They added that the termination of the partnership will also render the site’s caretakers homeless, despite requests for them to be given more time to find suitable accommodation.
But Longmead said the the hub declined an option to stay at the site until the end of December this year and that “some financial support” was actually offered to the hub to help them carry out improvements.
A Longmead Community Farm spokesperson said they wish Luccombe Hub “every success” in their new location and has thanked the hub for their time with them.
This comes, however, as they said a “mutually acceptable agreement” could not be reached.
“Luccombe Hub operated from our premises under a 12-month licence, which informally continued beyond its expiry in July 2024 while we explored the possibility of a longer-term arrangement,” they said.
“A lease was offered with terms intended to support Luccombe Hub’s operational needs, but unfortunately, a mutually acceptable agreement could not be reached.
“As part of these discussions, Longmead Community Farm extended an offer for Luccombe Hub to remain on site until the end of December 2025, including continued use of the caretaker’s accommodation. This offer was declined.
“There was no formal partnership agreement between our organisations.
“Improvement works carried out during Luccombe Hub’s time at Longmead were undertaken to meet their own operational requirements, with some financial support provided by Longmead Community Farm. These works were not part of a joint development plan.
“Longmead Community Farm remains committed to supporting families in crisis and providing inclusive opportunities for children and young people. Our programmes continue to grow, and we welcome new collaborations that align with our values.
“We wish Luccombe Hub every success in their new location and thank them for their time with us.”
Luccombe Hub is working closely with local authorities to maintain EHCP support, attendance, planning, and transport logistics for its learners.
“Our priority remains the students,” Henri added. “We’re doing everything possible to ensure continuity of education, therapy, and care through this transition.”
A spokesperson added: “Luccombe Hub extends its thanks to their staff, local community, families, partners, and education authorities for their ongoing support and understanding.”
It is very sad that after so much time and money was spent on Longmead it no longer is usable for the Luccombe Hub enterprise who give so much support to young people of the Doset Community- you would have thought the lease could have been extended at a favourable cost until new premises were found and established to avoid two disruptive moves ! Yet again the Luccombe team have resolved what could have been a disastrous situation- so impressive!