New Foundation Learning hub opens at Coastland College

The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, and students cut the ribbon at the official opening event

Coastland College celebrated a major milestone in January with the official opening of The Cove, a purpose-designed new facility at the Weymouth Campus created specifically for Foundation Learning and students.

The modern, spacious, open-plan facility brings all Foundation Learning and provision together in one dedicated area, transforming a previously outdated part of the campus into a welcoming, high-quality learning environment. Developed over the summer holidays thanks to £1.168million funding from Dorset Council, students were welcomed to The Cove for the first time at the start of the 2025/26 academic year.

Designed with students’ needs at its heart, with work carried out by Axis House supported by the College’s Estates team, The Cove includes a life-skills kitchen, quiet study areas, a computing suite, a sensory room and a range of specialist facilities. The space supports learning, wellbeing, independence and employability, while ensuring students remain fully connected to the wider college community.

The Cove – which was named with the help of students in line with other coastal names for building around the Weymouth Campus – was officially opened last week during a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, alongside students. The event was also attended by senior college leaders, invited guests from the education sector and partners involved in delivering the project.

Speaking during the ribbon cutting, Mr Dooley said: “What you have created is something special. This place is designed to help you believe in yourself. When confidence grows, individuals flourish, and when individuals flourish, communities become stronger.

“As Lord-Lieutenant I have the privilege of visiting many inspiring places across Dorset, but what makes this place truly special is not the bricks and mortar but the intention. You have created a place of opportunity, a place of dignity, and a place that says to young people: ‘you matter, and you are the future’.”

He went on to thank staff involved in the project, adding: “But above all, students, it is about you – you giving this building real meaning. Today is not just the opening of The Cove, it is an invitation to discover your potential, build confidence, and live in great harmony with yourself, with one another and with your community.”

Sally Anstee, Head of Department for Foundation Studies, welcomes guests, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley, and Head of Specialist and Learning Support, Diana Ashmore

Diana Ashmore, Head of Specialist and Learning Support at Coastland College, commented: “Today marks an important step forward for our college. The Cove is not just a physical space – it’s a statement of our commitment to inclusion, equity and opportunity for all learners.

“This base has been designed to remove barriers, not lower expectations. Through tailored support and clear pathways to independence, we want students to feel confident, valued and empowered to succeed academically, socially and personally.”

She added that the space represents strong partnership working between students, families, staff and support services, creating an environment where difference is respected and every learner can thrive.

Sally Anstee, Head of Department for Foundation Studies, highlighted the impact the new facility will have on learners’ confidence, independence and future opportunities.

“This building represents opportunity, ambition and our belief in the potential of our Foundation learners,” she said.

“The environment in which our learners study shapes confidence, aspiration and independence, and this space has been designed entirely with that in mind.”

She also emphasised the benefits of bringing together Foundation provision across Coastland College’s campuses, strengthening links between Weymouth and Kingston Maurward and opening up wider learning, work experience and progression opportunities for students.

Following the ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed refreshments and were treated to a sing and sign performance by the students.

The Cove also plays a key role in developing employability skills, with specialist spaces designed to support real-world learning, independence and preparation for employment.

Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley chats to staff and guests, including Vice Principal of Coastland College Tom Hallam, and Ian Girling, chair of Dorset Chamber