A Fresh Future for Tiverton: B Block Transformation Nears Completion as Campus Prepares to Become the Centre for Progression

Major investment at Petroc’s Tiverton campus has reached a key milestone, with the full refurbishment of B Block now almost complete. The transformed building marks the start of an exciting new chapter as the campus prepares to be renamed the Centre for Progression, Tiverton, under the proposed merger between Exeter College and Petroc.

Designed to provide purpose-built facilities for young people with additional needs, the Centre for Progression will strengthen Tiverton’s role as a specialist hub for SEND education – supporting learners to move seamlessly into further study, independent living, supported employment and future careers.

A major investment in SEND provision

The refurbishment of B Block is part of the Safety Valve High Needs Capital Programme, which is delivering upgraded, modernised and fully accessible spaces for young people with SEND across Barnstaple and Tiverton. The Tiverton element – valued at around £1.49 million – is fully funded by Devon County Council.

What’s been achieved so far?

Teams have been working at pace to deliver a complete transformation:

• Full refurbishment completed and handed over

• Upgraded social, learning and kitchen spaces

• Brand-new centre graphics and visual identity in January 2026

• Roof works are nearing completion this month

• Landscaping underway

A key part of Devon’s SEND strategy

Under the proposed merger, Tiverton’s role becomes even more significant. The consultation document outlines that the Tiverton campus will evolve into a specialist Centre for Progression, supporting young people with additional needs and enabling smoother transitions into adulthood.

The merger proposal highlights the ambition to create Devon-wide solutions for High Needs and SEND learners, drawing together expertise across Exeter, Barnstaple and Tiverton to offer tailored learning pathways and specialist progression routes.

This coast-to-coast approach will make the most of specialist facilities across all three sites, with Tiverton playing a central role in early-level progression and personalised support.

Showcasing the H2O provision

One of the standout SEND offers based at Tiverton is H2O (Home to Onsite) – a highly personalised, Devon County Council-commissioned programme for learners who need additional support to step into college life.

H2O supports learners with an EHCP through:

• One-to-one mentoring in the home or community

• Tailored tuition on campus, including access to the entire Tiverton site on Fridays

• English and Maths support

• Individualised academic or vocational study options

• Work experience

• Personal development and social skills

• Supported progression into further courses, alternative colleges, internships, apprenticeships or employment

H2O embodies the ethos of the future Centre for Progression – meeting each learner where they are and walking with them towards the next step.

Looking ahead: purpose-built facilities for SEND learners

With B Block now a fully refurbished, purpose-designed environment for Entry Level and Level 1 pathways, Tiverton is shaping a campus that:

• Provides safe, inclusive spaces for specialist teaching

• Supports learners to prepare for adulthood

• Offers progression routes into North Devon College, Exeter College, or local employment

• Acts as a springboard for SEND learners moving into further education and the workplace

The improved site layout, high-needs facilities, and newly configured learning spaces all strengthen Tiverton’s identity as a specialist progression centre.

Making the best use of the estate

As part of ongoing estate planning, the college is reviewing surplus facilities at Tiverton. The intention is to explore disposal options that secure the best possible financial return – enabling reinvestment back into the Centre for Progression and wider student experience.

A future-ready campus for the community

This investment – both financial and strategic – ensures Tiverton remains a vital part of the region’s education landscape. With new facilities, a refreshed purpose, and a Devon-wide commitment to delivering outstanding SEND provision, the Centre for Progression will become a place where learners build confidence, independence and futures filled with possibility.